Kendall County Legal Separation Attorneys
Legal Separation Lawyers in Plainfield, Oswego, and the Surrounding Communities
In many ways a legal separation is very much like a divorce, as most of the same issues must be resolved. The primary difference between a legal separation and a divorce, however, is that with a legal separation the couple remains married in the eyes of the law. At the Kendall County family law firm of Goostree Law Group, we are experienced in helping couples obtain a “Judgment for Legal Separation” that addresses their individual needs as well as the needs of the family.
Reasons for a Legal Separation in Kendall County
When most people look into getting a legal separation it is because their marriage is in trouble and they are contemplating ending it but do not (yet) desire a divorce. This could be for any number of reasons including:
- The couple wishes to work on their issues while living apart
- One of both spouses have a moral or religious objection to divorce
- The couple wishes to continue to take advantage of certain marital benefits such as health insurance or tax benefits despite living apart
A legal separation allows the couple to live separately and resolve issues such as child custody, child support, visitation, ownership and occupation of property, maintenance and other matters. A court order in place outlining the rights and responsibilities of both spouses can be helpful in eliminating any grey areas that may arise when a relationship is not clearly defined.
Depending on the circumstances of a marriage, a legal separation can last for any length of time. While some couples may never move beyond a legal separation and others may reconcile and get back together, often a legal separation is a first step to getting a divorce. In these cases, the "Judgment for Legal Separation" can serve as a framework for a permanent marriage dissolution. With many of the issues already negotiated in the legal separation, negotiating the divorce can be quick and easy. These issues can be renegotiated or litigated during the divorce, however, if one or both parties wishes to make changes.
If you are considering a legal separation, contact us at 630-882-5668 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options. One of our experienced family law attorneys will meet with you and explain the process of legal separation and how it could work in your situation. Our firm works with clients throughout the Northern Illinois region including Kendall County and the surrounding areas.