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How do I get legally separated in California?

How do I get legally separated in California?

The process to file for legal separation in California is nearly the same as that used for a divorce/dissolution. A spouse must file a petition, pay the filing fee, serve the petition on the other spouse, and file financial disclosures with the court.

Do you have to file for legal separation in California?

In the State of California, your spouse needs to agree to a legal separation. If they do not, you may have to file for divorce. With that being said, legal separation is not something that should be considered without deep thought as it is a life-changing occurrence.

How much does it cost to file for legal separation in California?

The filing cost for a legal separation in California is currently $435, but that cost may vary in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Francisco counties. Many issues are treated similarly to divorce during the legal separation process, such as property, assets, debt, and child custody.

How long does it take to get a legal separation in California?

Unlike divorce, legal separation in California does not require any residency requirements and the date of separation takes effect immediately. Therefore, legal separation can be completed prior to the six month “minimum time frame” for divorce as there is no termination date of the marriage.

How long can legal separation last?

You and your spouse may remain legally separated for the rest of your life if you both choose to do so. Studies indicate that the overwhelming majority of married couples who legally separate get divorced within 3 years of their separation.

Is legal separation expensive?

Beyond this major difference, a divorce is quite similar to a legal separation. Since divorce and legal separation are pretty similar, they may cost about the same and take around the same amount of time to process.