There are important issues we have dealt with regarding Mesa legal separation. Should we separate or should we get a divorce? What is the difference between divorce and legal separation? How long does a legal separation last, or does it expire? What if we have children, what are the issues and how do we handle custody? Do we split property like a divorce and how do we decide who gets what? Can we both use the same attorney?
When faced with the collapse of a marriage divorce is not the only option. Legal separation is an alternative to divorce in cases where there has been a breakdown of the marriage and each party agrees to the separation. A legal separation agreement accomplishes the same things that a divorce does with the exception of actually terminating the marriage.
Separation in Mesa
So why would a married couple decide on legal separation instead of divorce? There are myriad reasons. Sometimes it is done for practical purposes such as maintaining health insurance coverage. Some married persons choose to legally separate in order to allow one spouse with medical problems to continue coverage under the other spouse's medical insurance plan. Other common reasons are because of religious restrictions on divorce, more general moral objections to divorce, or to take advantage of the deductibility of spousal support payments for income tax purposes.
A legal separation is not a prerequisite for divorce, nor does it require that a divorce will follow. People who choose to be legally separated sometimes times want to keep the option open for reconciliation in the future and try to maintain a civil relationship. The family law practice at Hawkins and Hawkins understands that people need to both know and understand their legal options in family and martial matters when being married and living in the same house becomes an issue. Our Mesa divorce law firm serves clients dealing with these issues and we can provide you with help, legal advice and representation needed according to your own situation. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our divorce and separation lawyers.
Bundled Services
Some of our clients request assistance preparing a petition for dissolution, response, or other documents rather than having us appear as their attorneys in court. Others want us to appear in court, but only for a limited matter. This type of limited representation is usually referred to as bundled services, and may provide a low-cost option.
For legal separation in Mesa, call the family law firm of Hawkins & Hawkins toll free at 866-959-8237 or submit an online email form.