On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Legal Separation on Monday, November 17, 2014.
Divorce is not for everyone and there are many reasons that you and your spouse might prefer not to dissolve your marriage. Perhaps you are unsure if the split will be permanent or perhaps the concept of divorce conflicts with your religious beliefs. There could also be financial reasons or even personal preferences that influence your decision.
Whatever the case, if divorce is not for you, that does not mean you are trapped in your marriage. After all, if you and your spouse are no longer happy together, it would be unhealthy to remain together. Sometimes it is best to move on and have a fresh start, away from each other.
With this in mind, it is hardly surprising that many couples in Missouri choose legal separation. Not only does it give you the freedom to try again later, it can also make divorce proceedings go more smoothly if you choose to take this step in the future. This is because during the formation of a separation agreement, you and your spouse will need to agree on many of the issues that would also come up if you filed for divorce.
Of course, this also means that if you have changed your mind on some points by the time you decide to file for divorce, it may require more negotiation. However, an attorney may be able to assist you with this. He or she can also help you weigh up the pros and cons of a separation agreement to see if it is the right choice for you.
Any such decision requires quite a bit of thought and planning. Our page on legal separation has further information on the sort of matters you may need to take into consideration.
