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If you are considering a legal split, a Bellevue separation agreements lawyer at Twyford Law Office may be able to help. This is true whether separation is intended to provide a path to reconciliation or is a precursor to divorce. Let our compassionate family law attorneys assist you with this process.
When a marriage breaks down, divorce is not the best option for everyone. From financial reasons to the possibility of rekindling the relationship, some prefer to separate and not formally end the union. Washington state law allows for separation agreements that provide the parties with formal guidelines on things like child custody and property division, much like in a divorce case.
Not all separations require a written legal agreement. Countless couples informally separate, which involves one party leaving the marital home. However, this approach has no legal protections and does not resolve contentious issues.
A formal separation agreement entered by the court can address some of the most important considerations when ending a relationship. This process is similar to a divorce in that a judge will formally issue an order regarding issues like spousal support and child custody.
It is not uncommon for couples to use this process as a precursor to divorce, even in situations where there are hopes for reconciliation. This is due in part to the court’s ability to convert a separation order into a divorce decree without the need to start the process all over again.
When a person who is separated determines that they would like to divorce, they can petition the court for a full divorce as long as six months have passed since the separation order was entered. The support of an experienced separation agreements lawyer in Bellevue is especially helpful during this process.
While the breakdown of a marriage often ends in divorce, there are certain situations that might call for the support of a Bellevue separation agreements attorney instead. Some people choose separation for the following reasons:
Some people do not believe in divorce based on their religion. When two people with these beliefs realize that continuing their relationship is not in their best interest, separating might be the best option.
In some cases, remaining married might be the only financially viable option for a couple, even as their relationship breaks down. This is especially true when there are children in the picture. Divorce courts could order a party currently providing employer-based health insurance to the entire family to maintain that coverage, which could be financially impossible following a divorce.
Other couples go this route to explore the possibility of ending the relationship while leaving the door open to reconciliation. This gives both parties time to evaluate their lives while living separately and providing some of the support and structure of a divorce decree.
Separation might be a viable option for you and your partner for several reasons, but that does not make it a good idea to attempt it on your own. The support of a Bellevue separation agreements lawyer can be invaluable throughout this process. Call our team at Twyford Law Office as soon as possible to discuss your options during a private consultation.
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