A legal separation is often a solution for couples not ready to divorce. For some, a separation means the opportunity to step back, think about their marriage, and figure out a way to get it back on track. Others choose a separation to prepare for a divorce. Regardless of the purpose of the separation, there are three basic steps involved in the process, which are much like the steps in a divorce.
Separation Process Step 1: Complaint
The first step toward a legal separation process is filing a complaint – otherwise known as a petition. This petition requires both spouses’ full names and birth dates, any children, date of the marriage, and date of the separation. You must also be prepared to fill in the grounds for separation.
Grounds
Filing a separation petition is similar to filing for divorce in that the same legal grounds are accepted. If both parties agree to the separation, Oklahoma allows them to file a no-fault petition for separation. However, if a petitioner is filing separately, Oklahoma recognizes and typically accepts ten types of faults:
- Extreme cruelty
- Abandonment for at least a year
- Habitual drunknenness
- Imprisonment of the other spouse
- Fraudulent contract
- Insanity for at least five years
- Gross neglect of duty
- Impotence
- Adultery
- Extramarital pregnancy
Step 2: Papers Served
The other spouse will then receive a copy of the separation papers. This gives him or her the chance to prepare and attain legal representation.
Step 3: Separation Agreement Created
The court works with the spouses to create a separation agreement to resolve any issues involving child custody, debt, property, and alimony.
Division of Property
During a legal separation, the courts divide property as equitably as possible. Anything a spouse brought into the marriage or acquired on their own during the marriage is typically considered separate property. This will go to the owner. Property acquired together during the marriage is split between spouses in a way the court feels is fair.
Child Custody
Child custody is treated the same with a legal separation as with divorce. The court takes into account the child’s best interest, each parent’s relationship with the child, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.
If there are additional factors, such as the possibility of having to change schools, it may impact the court’s custody decisions. If things work out well with the child during the legal separation, the court will likely leave the custody orders the same should the couple decide to divorce.
Alimony and Child Support
Even without an official divorce, the courts can award alimony to an eligible spouse. If children are involved, the courts will award child support to the custodial parent. As with custody, the alimony and child support might remain the same if the couple divorces, depending on how the terms go during the separation.
Visitation Rights
The non-custodial parent is allowed to have frequent contact with the children as that contact is in the child’s best interest. As such, visitation cannot be denied, even if the non-custodial parent cannot or does not make the child support or alimony payments.
Let a Family Attorney Help You Understand the Separation Process
A separation can be a very difficult process, especially for those couples not on the same page. A family lawyer can help guide you through your separation and give you the best chances of success.
MORRIS LAW FIRM IN THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA
When you are entering into a custody hearing, it is best to have an experienced attorney at your side. The Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers will be there every step of the way. Call us at (843) 232-0944, or contact us online to set up a free case review. Let us help you prove that your custody is in the best interests of the child.
