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