Are you considering separating from your spouse? Do you need help working out the logistics of the process and protecting your rights? The Bellevue legal separation lawyers with Dellino Family Law can help you explore your options.
Working with Dellino Family Law makes it easier to break down the differences between a separation and a divorce. You can count on our Bellevue family lawyers to help you determine if a separation is right for you and, if so, how to divide property and parenting responsibilities accordingly.
It is time to go to work with the team that has over 180 years of combined experience navigating Washington State’s civil courts. You can book your separation consultation with our representatives today.
What Is Legal Separation?
There are several reasons that two people may not want to pursue a formal divorce, including religious doctrine. People who do not want to formally divorce but who want to live apart from a spouse may instead pursue a legal separation.
In Washington State, two partners undergoing a legal separation have the right to divide their responsibilities, debts, and assets between the two of them, despite the fact that they are not formally ending their marriage. This separation requires a formal court process and will see the participants sign a separation agreement that is binding in the eyes of the law.
While separated partners can maintain individual financial accounts and custody arrangements, there will still be legal ties binding them. Partners can only dissolve those ties by undergoing formal divorce proceedings.
Is Legal Separation Different From Divorce?
Washington State recognizes that while legal separation and divorce require similar proceedings in family court, they are not the same thing. A legal separation allows two people to divide their resources between them, set up parenting plans, and live apart from one another. But this process does not end the partners’ marriage as a divorce does.
Two parties who are separated but not divorced must undergo divorce proceedings if they want to marry other partners.
Can You Remarry After a Legal Separation?
Because pursuing a legal separation does not see two partners formally dissolve their marriage, neither partner can remarry. Partners who wish to remarry may only do so after pursuing a divorce through Washington State’s family courts.
What Can a Bellevue Legal Separation Lawyer Do For You?
Even though a legal separation is not as final as a divorce, the process can still be emotionally devastating for the people involved. If you want to separate from a partner, you need an ally who can help you prioritize your financial health and well-being while you grieve your damaged relationship.
The legal team with Dellino Family Law can stand with you throughout this process. Working with an experienced legal separation attorney in Bellevue specifically allows you to:
- Candidly discuss your legal options and make informed decisions about how you want to proceed with your separation.
- Complete all of the paperwork relevant to your separation within the required deadlines and to the required standards.
- Establish fair financial and custody agreements with an ex-partner.
- Protect your personal investments and assets.
Our involvement in your case may also allow you to convert a separation into a divorce either during separation proceedings or in the years to follow.
We can provide you with advice on your upcoming proceedings that compassionately address your concerns while simultaneously offering you the stalwart support you need to create a happier future for yourself.
Are There Benefits to Legal Separation?
Legal separations often allow two partners who hope to reconnect to take time away from one another without formally dissolving the legal ties between them. A separation can also serve as an alternative to divorce in cases where religious doctrine or other personal beliefs prevent either or both parties from more formally ending their partnership.
The structure of a separation is one of its greatest assets. Partners pursuing a separation have the opportunity to put their preferred division of property and other assets down in writing and to have those agreements enshrined in the eyes of the law. Likewise, separated partners can establish formal custody agreements, child support payments, and spousal maintenance.
When Should You Contact a Bellevue Legal Separation Lawyer?
If you are considering separating from a partner, or if your partner has expressed an interest in dissolving your relationship, then it is time to contact an experienced attorney. It is hard to navigate this process on your own, in no small part because it can be incredibly emotional.
You can reach out to Dellino Family Law today to discuss what circumstances have led to your desire for a separation, as well as your goals for the separation process.
We can then connect you with a legal separation lawyer in Bellevue, WA, who can stand with you throughout your upcoming proceedings and negotiate for fair treatment on your behalf.
Do not wait to get in touch with a legal professional if you are undergoing a legal separation. The sooner you contact our team, the easier it may be to ensure that your post-separation life is as healthy and safe as possible.
It Is Time to Connect With Dellino Family Law
Legal separations are not the formal end of a marriage, but they represent the dissolution of a staple relationship in your life. You do not have to undergo that process on your own. Working with an experienced legal separation attorney in Bellevue, WA, makes it easier to protect yourself and your resources throughout your separation.
At Dellino Family Law, we give you space to grieve your marriage while acting as your ally and putting your financial and emotional needs first.
Our professional and compassionate legal representation ensures that you can enshrine economic support as well as parenting plans and child custody. We can also protect your right to pursue a divorce at a later date.
You can schedule a case consultation with Dellino Family Law today to discuss the logistics of a legal separation.
