Separation
Let’s try this for a while…
Every married couple experiences difficulty in their marriage at some time or another. When this occurs, some couples determine a temporary separation would be beneficial.
Separation doesn’t mean the couple has made the decision to divorce. Rather, separation establishes temporary orders concerning:
- Alimony
- Property and Debt Management and Division
- Health Insurance
- Housing
- Child Support, Custody, and Parent Time
This period of separation can last up to one year and is meant to provide couples an opportunity for space while determining their next steps.
Having a full agreement in place before filing your separation case with the court is critical. If you’ve already filed for temporary separation, and you and your spouse do not have a full agreement already in place, you will want to contact us and act quickly to avoid getting caught in the court system.
One-Year Separation
Although separation and divorce are not the same, the processes and items to be worked through for separation and divorce are almost identical. Like divorce, coming to a full agreement will be the hardest part of your separation, and your mediated agreement will serve as the foundation for all your court documents.
Â
Reconciliation
Temporary Separation Orders are good for one year from the date the order was signed. If you and your spouse reconcile before that year is up, there is nothing more to be done.
Divorce
If during the year you and your spouse decide to divorce, you will be required to file a separate divorce action with new documents. One Source Mediation will meet with you again to assist you in navigating court document preparation software. If parties file for divorce during the year, your court filing fee paid for separation will carry over and be applied to your divorce filing fees.
Need More time?
If after the year you and your spouse decide you need additional time to determine your next step, you will need to file for separation a second time. If you find yourself in this situation and your agreement hasn’t changed significantly, One Source Mediation will meet with you and assist you in navigating court document preparation software.