For those who are contemplating Divorce, but are not fully ready to move forward, a Legal Separation may be appropriate. While most people may believe Florida does not formally recognize Legal Separation, there are options available.
An example being, if one Spouse does not believe in Divorce due to religious beliefs or other reasons, he or she could file an Action for Support and Maintenance without Dissolution of Marriage. By doing so, he or she can be awarded Alimony or Child Support without filing for Divorce. Florida Statutes 61.09 and 61.10, mention support and maintenance which refer to Alimony and/or Child Support. In addition, if you want to establish a Timesharing schedule to see your children, but do not want to file for a Dissolution of Marriage, you can do so with this type of Legal Separation. To review the Statutes in full, CLICK HERE.
Is Legal Separation right for you? Are you interested in potentially saving your marriage while living apart from your Spouse? We are here to help you navigate your options. Our experienced Family Law Attorneys recognize that reconciliation is possible in specific and safe situations. Time apart may allow you to reflect on necessary changes and/or connect with a marriage counselor together or individually. After separating, you may realize that you are both willing to put in the work to be better Spouses to one another.
Each member of our Team at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys understands the positive impact of Mental Health Professionals throughout the process. If you are in need of a referral for a therapist, we are happy to assist you.
Still unsure if you want to explore Legal Separation rather than Divorce? Contact our office at (407) 872-3161 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our Family Law Attorneys.