3 Reasons to Consider Legal Separation Before Divorce
Marriages encounter challenges for various reasons but, when divorce seems inevitable, many couples jump straight to filing for divorce without considering alternative options. Legal separation is a good option for couples who are not yet ready to formally divorce because it allows them to live apart and address their issues. During a period of legal separation, mediation can help couples find solutions that work for both of them, and it can also help them maintain a civil relationship. If you are trying to determine whether or not to get a divorce, read below and consider 3 reasons that legal separation may be a good option for your marriage.
3 Reasons to Consider Legal Separation Before Divorce
- Preserve the Marital Relationship
- Legal separation allows couples to remain legally married while working on the issues that are causing strain in their relationship. Couples and individuals often have personal reasons, such as religious beliefs, for not pursuing divorce but they still need time and space to work on their relationship challenges. By remaining legally married, couples have the opportunity to rebuild trust and explore the possibility of reconciliation if so desired. Legal separation mediation can also help couples communicate and negotiate agreements on property division, debt allocation, support issues, and parenting plans.
- Financial Protection and Division of Assets
- One advantage of legal separation over divorce is that each spouse keeps their own finances. This means that one spouse isn’t responsible for the other’s debts. Legal separation mediation can help couples divide their assets fairly while providing financial protection and independence. And, with a mediator’s help, couples can avoid costly court battles down the line.
- Focused Approach to Parenting
- Co-parenting through separation and/or divorce is challenging, no matter how amicable the situation is. Legal separation and mediation help parents develop a co-parenting plan that puts their kids first. By addressing issues like custody, visitation, and child support, legal separation mediation helps parents set clear guidelines and reduce conflict which is beneficial for everyone involved. It also encourages communication and cooperation between parents, which allows both parents to actively participate in decisions about their kids’ upbringing, leading to a healthier co-parenting relationship. This stability can help kids cope with the emotional impact of their parents’ separation.