Legal Separation

Legal separation is the solution when you’re neither married nor divorced. If one of you have already moved out, please consider making it legal to protect yourself concerning child custody and support, taxes, and any new debts that might be incurred.  It can also help form a basis for negotiating your eventual divorce settlement.  All states except Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Texas recognize legal documentation of separation.

Paperwork
When you consider separating from your spouse, ask what the legal ramifications are in your state, and have your lawyer draw up the separation agreement to best protect you. If you feel up to it, you can also fill out your own separation papers and file them yourself.  Here is a site that you can look up legal separation agreements for your individual state.  

Precedence
When you are considering moving out during this period, realize that this might set a precedence for what is awarded in the divorce. If you own a home, it is best not to give up your rights before divorce papers are drawn up. Try to spell out who will be awarded the home in your separation agreement. If you are renting and choose to move out, this is only relevant if children are involved.

Preparation

1. Take your name off the lease. If your landlord is unaware of the separation and your spouse doesn’t pay the rent, then you will be held liable for anything that is past-due.
2. Take your name of the utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, trash, paper, etc.). The same reason as above applies.
3. Forward your mail to a post office box or to a close friend or relative.
4. Make note of all address, phone numbers, and account information on mortgages, bank and credit accounts, insurance policies, pension accounts, and any other financial paperwork you will need.
5. Make copies of all tax records for the past six years.  Realize that State and Federal tax agencies are not parties to a separation or divorce, so if there are back taxes owed, you will still be legally responsible for the debt.
6. Put a freeze on all joint credit accounts.  Since you are legally responsible for the debt, you don't want to be paying for his spending spree when he fails to pay on the account.
7. List what is in safety deposit boxes ( it's also wise to take a picture of the contents), and take any personal items.
8. Pack up what you need, and anything you may want later, such as:
   • clothing, shoes, and coats
   • pictures, books, and movies, family heirlooms and mementos
   • medicine, make-up, hair dryer, curler
   • school and medical records, address book, journal
   • furniture and appliances, dishes, pots, utensils, food
   • bedding, towels, and bath supplies, cleaning supplies
   • phones, computer, office supplies
   • grill, outdoor equipment, tools, recreation and sports gear

©Tracy Achen 2001 
At WomansDivorce.com we have one focus - helping women survive divorce and rebuild their lives. (This article may be freely reproduced provided it is unaltered and the above information is included.)

For more in-depth information on separation, check out the Separation Agreement Handbook, a great resource with state specific information that outlines frequently asked questions that you may have about this important document.  If you feel that your separation will lead to divorce, you will need to keep the following in mind.................... 
What is a Legal Separation
Separation FAQS
Preparing For A Divorce or Separation
Temporary Support Orders
Other Marital Separation Articles

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Please Note:  This website provides general information about the various issues that arise in a divorce and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice.  For specific recommendations concerning your situation, please retain an experienced divorce lawyer who can answer your questions based on the current divorce law statutes of your state.  WomansDivorce.com disclaims any liability from any claim arising from any information contained on this website.