Understanding separation laws is vital to those whose legal matters are in any state, including Florida. However, it is not always possible for a Florida resident who needs legal guidance to find an attorney with expert knowledge regarding another state’s laws. Fortunately, Burlington & Rockenbach, P.A. can connect clients with legal professionals in their area who are well-versed in relevant interstate laws.
The following points illustrate how different the nature of a “legal separation” can be from state to state:
A legal separation is used by married couples in Tennessee who do not want a divorce – often due to the fact that one spouse does not want to pay alimony, while the other wants to maintain the tax status and legal benefits of marriage. Separation often serves to assist spouses in working toward a reconciliation or to give them time apart to reassess what they want. Both possibilities are considered. Approximately six months after filing for a legal separation, parties with court-approved separation agreements will return to court to either obtain a divorce or a settlement if the marriage has been reconciled. If a reconciliation does not take place, then the court will dissolve the separation and set forth terms for the divorce. During the period of separation, the court may mandate that you provide support to your spouse, but it is not required to do so.
The state of Tennessee uses the term ‘legal separation’ somewhat differently than Florida. Legal separations in Florida are rare, and when they do occur, they are usually part of an effort to circumvent legal divorce or gain additional time to work on marriage. When considering a legal separation, note the following: Legal resources like the one above can help individuals facing legal separation laws understand their circumstances and choose appropriate actions. Weighing all of your options is essential, but you need to know when you must make a choice and when you can afford to take your time.