Legal Separation in the State of California

Although the general concept of legal separation remains the same across state boundaries, each state has its own legal definition of the term. If you are in the state of California then there are a few things that you need to know if you want to pursue legal separation.

When a married person wants to remain married but resolve and separate all the other issues of marriage then legal separation is a viable choice. You will need to go to court where the judge will decide issues such as child support, spousal support, custody and visitation of minor children, confirm or award community and separate property assets, as well as any outstanding debts. After a separation, if both parties want to proceed with the divorce, then the next steps must be taken to finalize the divorce.

Once the legal separation has been filed by the petitioner, the respondent, or the other party, must be personally served with the legal notice. The respondent then has thirty days upon receipt of the paperwork to request an entry of default. After that the process will then be deemed to be a contested matter or uncontested matter.

Have questions about legal separation?  Don't wait to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney.