Legal Separation

If you are struggling with your marriage, one option you may want to consider is a legal separation. A legal separation is a temporary measure that may benefit the couple involved in numerous ways.

Attorney Rhonda in OKC can assist you with deciding whether a legal separation is the right move for you and all the legal options available for you to explore. At Inner Vision Legal,  we have extensive experience working with couples who are separating.

UNDERSTANDING LEGAL SEPARATION

A legal separation establishes financial support and child custody during a couple’s separation. You can file for a separation in the county you or your spouse reside in, and there is no residential period. You also do not have to provide “grounds” for your separation. You can simply separate due to irreconcilable differences.

Once the separation has been filed with the court, you can request a separation order and we can assist with each step of the process or with any individual step along the way.

WHAT IS A SEPARATION ORDER?

A separation order temporarily decides financial support arrangements and child custody. A separation order may include:

• Who will have custody of the children;
• When and how often visitation will occur;
• Who will pay marital debts;
• Where each spouse will live;
• How other property will be divided; and/or
• Whether alimony will be paid and how much.

A separation order cannot be issued without a hearing. It is critical for you to have representation during your hearing to ensure your best interests are adequately represented. Attorney Rhonda in OKC will look out for your interests and ensure you get the support you need and the results you deserve.

SEPARATION VS. DIVORCE

A separation is temporary, and it does not necessarily lead to divorce. If it does, though, a lot of the groundwork is already in place for a divorce settlement.

Unless there are significant changes to one or both spouses’ financial situations, the alimony and child support arrangements are likely to stay the same.

Couples may also separate rather than immediately divorce to maintain insurance coverage. They can also continue to utilize the tax benefits associated with marriage.

Separation is also a more flexible solution, affording you the opportunity to amend your separation agreement much more easily than a divorce decree. With a divorce, changes to alimony or child support can only occur with court approval and only if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

A separation is not required before filing for divorce in Oklahoma. You can file for divorce directly without filing for separation first. In the case of divorce, there is a residency requirement, and you can file for an at-fault or no-fault divorce. If you have minor children, there is a 90-day waiting period from the date you file for divorce until the divorce is granted. Once you are divorced, there is a six-month waiting period before you can remarry in Oklahoma.

WE CAN HELP

Legal separation and divorce can be confusing and exhausting to deal with. Let us help you navigate these waters during this stressful time in your life. Our caring attorney has the knowledge and experience to get you the results you deserve.

We will fight to ensure your rights are protected and your interests fought for using the full extent of legal remedies available. Contact us today at (405) 724-2525 to find out how we can help.