There are times when couples may not be satisfied with their married life and would like to end it. A leading divorce attorney in Oklahoma City can assist you in separating legally and provide you with all the available options. Knowing whether you should be filing for divorce or legal separation is important when you want to leave your better half/spouse. Read the article and the information given below to find out the similarities and differences between legal separation and divorce.
Legal Separation versus Divorce
Divorce can be defined as ending the marriage legally. On the other hand, legal separation describes the legal order that entails the duties and rights of the couple when they start to live apart.
Similarities Between Divorce and Legal Separation
There are certain similarities between legal separation and divorce. For instance, in both of the cases, it is the court that will decide on the child matters (including child custody), division of property, child visitation, and separation maintenance. The maintenance during separation is similar to the support for the spouse where certain financial arrangements are made for supporting the child and/or the spouse.
Differences Between Divorce and Legal Separation
Apart from the way they are defined, there are also other differences between legal separation and divorce. Divorce lawyers in OKC can ensure that their clients are offered end-to-end assistance and the separation/divorce process is hassle-free for them.
The main difference between divorce and legal separation is that while divorce is the end of a marriage legally, separation means that the couple is still married. Below are some other differences between the two forms of separation after a marriage.
Benefits (including Healthcare): while divorce ends all the benefits, legal separation allows for the retention of at least some benefits (including those related to social security and health insurance).
Marital Status: legal separation means that the spouses are not free to marry anyone else and are still married to one another. However, those who are divorced can marry again.
Decision-Making Power: legal separation means that the spouses who are separated now are allowed to make financial or medical decisions for one another. The separated spouses are next of kin, according to law. However, once divorced spouses are legally not next of kin.
Reconciliation: spouses can easily reunite and start living with each other when they are legally separated. However, if the divorced couple wants to live together again and remarry, they will have to undergo legal reunification.
Debts/Liabilities: both spouses are responsible for any joint loan/debt that has been taken by the couple during their marriage term. However, the court divides the debt between the two spouses when they are choosing divorce.
A couple that wants to take some time before they want to undergo a final divorce should choose legal separation. It is easy to reunite after legal separation while a divorce will end the marriage legally. An expert Oklahoma City divorce lawyer will help you gain more insights and knowledge about the two legal separation processes, which will enable you to make a better choice.
Conclusion
Legal separation and divorce can ensure that couples who are not satisfied with their marriage can choose the most appropriate option and sort out their differences. A licensed and resourceful OKC divorce attorney can assist you in obtaining alimony/and financial assistance and ensure that you have ample finances to support yourself in the course of a separation/divorce. Reach out to a leading divorce and legal separation attorney now to find out more about the affordable cost and the immense benefits of the service.
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