| Before a couple seeks divorce, separation is | | | | separation period. Spouses choose between |
| the usual precursor. There are a number of | | | | vehicles, pets, furniture or even |
| things couples need to do before seeking a | | | | electronics. When the separation period is |
| divorce settlement. From finding the right | | | | over between to people, and no plans of |
| attorney to getting you finances in order, a | | | | reconciliation are possible, then both |
| number of divorces have long periods of | | | | spouses need to begin consulting with their |
| separation before they are finalized. | | | | attorneys. |
| | | | |
| To be granted a divorce, separation is | | | | Before proceeding with a divorce, separation |
| required first by most states. Many state | | | | can be a time when you can get your personal |
| divorce laws require you be separated from | | | | finances in order. This is an important step |
| your spouse for a specific period of time | | | | to take because it will prevent creditors |
| before beginning divorce proceedings. By | | | | from coming after you if your ex-spouse is |
| separation, the courts intend for both you | | | | unable to make payments on anything in the |
| and your spouse to be living in completely | | | | future. Finances can include giving your |
| different residences, not staying in separate | | | | attorney a list of all your assets and |
| bedrooms in the marital residence. | | | | liabilities. |
| | | | |
| Separation is voluntary most of the time, but | | | | Then it would be wise to make all your credit |
| there are instances where desertion occurs. | | | | cards in your name only, which means |
| Desertion is when a spouse leaves and never | | | | informing your spouse you will be canceling |
| intends to return to the relationship. | | | | any joint accounts. If you own any stocks, |
| Constructive desertion is when your spouse | | | | then reissue them in your name. You may also |
| forces you to leave the relationship, such as | | | | need to search for a new broker if the |
| in abuse cases. In this instance, the court | | | | previous one looked after both yours and your |
| will not hold you accountable for desertion | | | | spouse's accounts. |
| because it will acknowledge the act was a | | | | |
| necessity for personal safety or the safety | | | | If you have a will and trust, you will need |
| of children involved in the marriage. | | | | to alter it to exclude your spouse. Finally, |
| | | | make sure all documents and changes are |
| Of all the proceedings that occur during a | | | | written down and recorded so you will have it |
| divorce, separation is usually the beginning. | | | | on file for the divorce settlement. |
| Separation is intended to give both spouses | | | | |
| the opportunity to divide up personal | | | | When a couple contemplates divorce, |
| property and figure out who will live in the | | | | separation can be a period of time to help |
| marital residence. When children are involved | | | | both individuals involved step back and |
| in a divorce settlement, the separation | | | | evaluate their marriage. In some cases, a |
| period is when parents choose where they will | | | | divorce settlement never emerges out of a |
| live. | | | | separation because both parties are able to |
| | | | resolve their issues. Perhaps this is why the |
| It can also be a time when parents discuss | | | | courts often require a separation period as a |
| the custody issues such as whether or not | | | | way to show couples all that is involved when |
| joint physical custody is a possibility. | | | | dividing up two lives. |
| Other things can be settled during the | | | | |