We explore the benefits and concept of separating from your spouse and what that means when it comes to legal issues, in this charming and wonderful post.
What is legal separation in Colorado? Is legal separation different from divorce? Could legal separation be pursued instead of divorce? If so, what are some of the potential results of legal separation? These are just a few of the questions that everyone should have an answer to (or twelve or twenty) when exploring the concept of separation and related issues. Colorado divorce law can be complicated, so it is a good idea to explore what is different, and what is not different, when it comes to legal separation. It is even better to explore what may be going on behind the scenes when it comes to your unique situation and Colorado family law. Because the truth is that, like everything else, legal separation in Colorado is different, depending on the circumstances.
Is Legal Separation in Colorado Different From Divorce? Well, as I said a moment ago – yes, and no. While the concept of separation – legal separation, versus romantic separation – is quite different from divorce, most of the related issues are not any different than divorce. Your basic rights and obligations concerning child custody and support, spousal maintenance, property division, and other family law issues, is still the same. And, it is still advisable to seek out advice from capable and knowledgeable divorce professionals – especially when you are thinking about a decision this big.
What is the Purpose of Legal Separation in Colorado? Most people pursuing legal separation do so to explore the option before ultimately proceeding with divorce. There are a variety of reasons why people opt for legal separation rather than divorce. For example, a spouse may want to determine whether they can reconcile differences after a period of separation. Or, the party may want to explore whether or not they can maximize property division, increase parent time with children, seek spousal support, or explore other options, before focusing on divorcing. Although legal separation is different from divorce, the end results are often the same. Many divorcing spouses in Colorado explore the concept of legal separation because they want to know what it would be like to be separated from their spouse. And when they explore the option and apply the theory to practice, they often come to the same conclusion: divorce. This is not always the case, but it is common.
What is the Difference Between Divorce and Legal Separation in Colorado? The primary difference between legal separation and divorce is that separation does not legally terminate your marriage. It is often referred to as “dissolution of marriage,” but it is also referred to as outcome “separation.”
Related Issues with Colorado Legal Separation The process of legally separating from a spouse in Colorado is relatively simple. Theoretically, it is similar to divorce. For example, legal separation is a judicial decree to separate spouses. We will discuss the specific legal requirements for your situation in a moment. Of course, legal separation does involve additional, and often disruptive procedures, such as having to move out of the home, file for legal separation, and notify the court of any issues relevant to the decree for separation. Ultimately, legal separation is only one way to address the legal issues, and ramifications, that stem from a broken marriage. In fact, it is a pretty good bet that once you begin to address the issues in play, you will likely find that the end results more or less mirror divorce, right down to the similarities of how it makes you feel. But, there is nothing wrong with exploring the theory of legal separation and how it may apply to your situation.
Understanding Legal Separation Could be the Key to a Happy Life The process of separating from a spouse in Colorado is the same basic process as divorce – you file paperwork with the appropriate Colorado courts, tell the court what you want to achieve, and get the appropriate legal decrees. There are a number of steps to achieving legal separation in Colorado, and one of them is learning about what is legal separation, and how it could apply to your situation. While doing so, you may explore the one topic that is brought up during the process of exploring the other topics – what is it about being unmarried that you are pursuing? Once you can answer this question, are then able to pursue your goals whether married or divorced – only you can truly answer this question.
For more information on legal separation, you can visit Colorado Courts.