Unlike divorce, legal separation allows couples to live apart while still being married. Unless your situation involves domestic violence or financial fraud, legal separation can often be a better option than divorce since it gives couples the time to reconsider their decision to split while allowing them to take care of the important issues such as child custody and financial matters along with making plans for the future. The period of legal separation assists couples in exploring the possibilities of reconciliation or figuring out whether they have to head towards divorce. Moreover, your behavior throughout this period will hugely impact your marital relationship and the outcomes of the divorce proceedings, which is why it’s important to try your best to handle legal separation in the right way. Read on to learn more about a general guide of do’s and don’ts through this trying period. If you’re looking for a family attorney in the Miami area, call Arturo R. Alfonso, P.A. today.
Do’s Of Legal Separation
- Bolster Open Communication With Your Partner- There are many negative emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy, and disappointment that come up through this period, but that shouldn’t stop you from having an open and honest conversation with your spouse. Lack of communication can not only reduce the likelihood of reconciliation but also lead to poor divorce outcomes and negatively affect your child’s overall development.
- Maintain the status quo- Even though you are legally separated, you should try to maintain the status quo through this period. This means that if you have been paying for the car insurance or the mortgage, keep doing so since you are still married. Throughout this period you can work with your attorney to divide your expenses in a fair manner.
- Pay attention to money matters- You were probably used to having two incomes in your household. Following the separation, it’s important to consider your financial options in order to support the family. Go through each marital asset or source of income and expenses in order to gauge your standard of living.
- Seek professional guidance- It’s important to seek help from professionals like your family attorney, a marriage counselor, or a financial consultant who can assist you with dealing with the situation.
Don’ts Of Legal Separation
- Avoid getting into a new relationship- Though you and your spouse are legally separated, neither of you are single yet. This period gives you time to figure out your current marriage, not to go out and find a new one. This will not only damage your marital relationship but also offer a poor portrait of your before a judge if you end up divorcing.
- Don’t be too active on social media- Try not to use social media as a way to vent your feelings or disparage your partner. Moreover, make sure to avoid posting photos that can be used as evidence against you. This means that posting a picture where you are partying and your kid holding a beer bottle (even as a joke) can make you look like an unfit parent and can be used against you in court.
- Avoid badmouthing your partner- Even if you are extremely upset with your partner, badmouthing him/her will not only cause tension when working with your spouse on a fair settlement but also affect your children emotionally.
- Avoid prolonging the separation- Extending a legal separation for several years is not a healthy situation for you and your family. If you and your spouse cannot reconcile, don’t live in denial or hope that you will grow out of it. Get a divorce and move on so that you can create a healthier and more stable environment for yourself and your children.
Contact Us Today
Arturo R. Alfonso, P.A, is a top family attorney in the Miami area. For legal counsel throughout your legal separation, call Arturo R. Alfonso, P.A. today.