Our Manhattan Beach, CA Legal Separation Lawyer Protects You In a Split

When your marriage is in trouble but you’re not sure if it’s time to formally pull the plug, a legal separation may be an effective solution. In California, a legal separation preserves some of the protections of marriage while allowing the couple to live separately. For most people, this allows them to go their separate ways emotionally but remain legally tied to their spouse. This arrangement has mutual benefits, but it is a complex legal matter, and making the wrong decisions when filing your legal separation agreement can dramatically impact your finances and future, especially if you decide to follow through with a divorce. Our Manhattan Beach, CA legal separation lawyer can help protect your interests when you legally separate.

The divorce lawyers at Skarin Law Group advocate for your interests, from bargaining for a favorable legal separation agreement to preparing you for a divorce. We’re fierce negotiators and can help you secure an agreement that protects your interests for finances, provides support (like alimony or child support), and includes a child custody arrangement that suits your needs. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.

How Our Attorneys Help With Your Separation

Many people seek a legal separation instead of divorce because they are unsure if they want to formally end their union or because they want to preserve some of the legal aspects of marriage without living as a married couple with their spouse.

In California, a legal separation effectively “pauses” a couple’s marriage. It is an approved relationship with unique characteristics that is made official after a court hearing and judgment. From a financial standpoint, the couple has separate finances (unless otherwise specified in the separation agreement), which can be helpful if your spouse accumulates additional debt; you likely won’t be responsible for it.

There are other benefits to a legal separation, which your attorney can help you realize as the negotiations progress. We can also protect your interests in the interim between the date the legal separation petition is filed and when it’s granted.

Insight From Skilled California Family Law Attorneys

Other ways we can help include:

• Negotiate a fair division of marital property and debts (California is a community property state)
• File the petition for separation or, if you have been served with the petition, drat a counter-response that reflects your interests
• Facilitate the exchange of mandatory disclosures
• Establish a child custody arrangement and support that reflects the best interest of shared children
• Negotiate fair spousal support (alimony)

Legally separating from your spouse is emotionally challenging, which can make it harder for you to make good decisions for yourself. We focus on your best interests so you can create a positive future for yourself. Although a legal separation agreement isn’t a divorce decree, it can form the basis of one. At Skarin Law Group, we want to ensure that the separation agreement addresses your needs and protects you from actions your spouse takes that could affect you.

Our Manhattan Beach legal separation lawyer advocates for you in court and mediated negotiations if you cannot agree on a fair separation agreement with your spouse. We also work with you if you want to file for divorce. We’re here to protect you and your family, and you can learn more by calling us today for a personalized consultation.