Legal separation is an alternative to divorce for people who can’t continue to live together but do not want to end their marriage. A couple is legally separated after petitioning the court to recognize their separation. Simply living apart does not constitute a legal separation. All states except Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Texas recognize legal documentation of separation.
A separation agreement is a legal document signed by both spouses, which details such issues as child support, spousal support and living arrangements. In some states, legal advice is required to make a separation agreement legally binding. Your attorney will make application to the court so that a judge can sign the agreement. If you come to an agreement with your spouse without making it court ordered, you will have no legal protection should your spouse decide not to follow the agreement.
- If you are moving out, be sure your name is removed from any rental leases. If your spouse doesn’t pay the rent, you don’t want to be held accountable.
- Have your mail forward to your new address or post office box.
- Keep a copy of all addresses, phone numbers and account information on mortgages, bank accounts and credit accounts. Have your name removed from any accounts that you no longer want to be responsible.
- Make copies of all income tax records for the past six years, at the least. State and Federal tax agencies are not a party to marital separation and divorce so any taxes owed will still be your responsibility.
- Put a freeze on all joint bank and credit accounts if you can’t get your spouse to agree to have your name removed. Until the accounts are frozen you are still legally responsible if they are in both your name and your spouse’s name.
- It is not unusual for a divorce judgment to award separated spouses the personal property that is in their own possession. If there are important belongings that you leave with your spouse upon separation, you should to specify in your separation agreement that those things come to you if you should divorce.
- If you are doing a legal separation instead of divorce so that you can maintain insurance coverage check the policy language carefully. Some insurance companies include language which will cause coverage to lapse in the event of a legal separation. Be sure you are still covered, don’t take it for granted.
- Consult with an accountant concerning pension plans and retirement benefits. You need to make sure you that you meet all of the necessary legal requirements to maintain you interest in any pension accounts or retirement benefits.
