What Is Legal Separation?
It can provide many of the same protections that divorce
Legal Separation Attorney in Los Angeles
Consider Legal Separation as an Alternative to Divorce
Are you and your spouse struggling to see eye to eye but hesitant to move forward with a divorce? If counseling or mediation has not helped resolve your differences, legal separation may be a practical and less final alternative. While the process closely mirrors divorce, it allows you and your spouse to live separately while retaining certain financial, insurance, or religious benefits.
At Holstrom, Block & Parke, A Professional Law Corporation, our Los Angeles legal separation attorneys understand that every marriage and family situation is unique. We guide clients through the separation process with care, discretion, and clear communication—helping you make informed decisions about your future and protecting your interests every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss whether legal separation is right for you.
What Is Legal Separation?
Legal separation offers a way for couples to live apart and establish clear financial and parental boundaries—without officially ending their marriage. It functions similarly to divorce in terms of procedures and legal protections but allows spouses to remain legally married.
During a legal separation, spouses must still address the same issues that arise in divorce, including:
- Division of assets and debts
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support
- Spousal support (alimony)
Once finalized, a legal separation provides legal independence while keeping certain marital benefits intact, depending on the couple’s situation.
Benefits of Legal Separation
For many couples, legal separation offers advantages that divorce does not. Remaining legally married while separated can have personal, financial, and emotional benefits, such as:
- Preserving inheritance or survivor rights
- Maintaining access to insurance or retirement benefits
- Avoiding religious or moral concerns related to divorce
- Meeting Social Security or military benefit eligibility
- Allowing time and space to decide if divorce is truly the right choice
- No residency requirement, and separations take effect immediately
Legal separation can serve as a valuable “trial run” for divorce—providing structure, stability, and clarity without permanently dissolving the marriage.
Discuss Your Options with a Los Angeles Family Law Attorney
Whether you’re considering divorce, legal separation, or annulment, navigating the end of a relationship is emotionally and legally complex. At Holstrom, Block & Parke, our Los Angeles family lawyers provide compassionate guidance and effective representation through every stage of the process.
From preparing and filing the necessary paperwork to negotiating parenting plans and property settlements, we’ll work to reduce conflict and protect your best interests. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Call our Los Angeles office today or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
