Legal Separation Attorneys in Orange County

Helping Our Clients Create Solid Separation Arrangements

If you are married or involved in a registered domestic partnership and are considering separation, it is important to understand what is involved. Legal separation, which involves filing a petition with the court and then a final judgment regarding the terms of the separation, and a separation agreement, which can be entered into by spouses or partners without the involvement of the court, can offer you a way to live separate and apart without legally terminating your marriage or partnership.

Separation can give spouses or partners time apart to determine whether they want to reconcile, and a separation agreement can serve as a foundation of a divorce agreement later. As with any family law matter, it is important to work with an attorney who can protect your interests. Sullivan Law & Associates has a long history of representing married persons and domestic partners in separation proceedings across Orange County.

Issues to Address in a Separation Agreement

Whether you are drafting a separation agreement or have petitioned the court for legal separation, there are a number of issues that must be addressed, similar to those addressed in a divorce:

• Child custody and parenting time (visitation);
• Who will live in the marital home;
• Who will be responsible for paying certain bills during the separation period;
• Whether spousal support (alimony) will be paid; and
• How property, debt, and assets will be distributed.

When you work with a separation attorney at our firm, we will work with you closely to understand and identify your goals for every one of these points. We will then apply our skill and resources to secure the best possible result.