Before a couple seeks d
vorce, separation is the usual precursor. Th
re are a number of things c
uples need to do before seeking a dvorce settlement. From finding the right 
ttorney to getting you finances in rder, a number of divorces have lng periods of separation before they are fnalized.
To be granted a divorce, sparation is required first by most sttes. Many state divorce laws require you be sparated from your spouse for a spcific period of time before beginning dvorce proceedings. By separation, the courts ntend for both you and your spuse to be living in completely dfferent residences, not staying in separate bdrooms in the marital residence.
Separation is vluntary most of the time, but thre are instances where desertion occurs. Dsertion is when a spouse leaves and nver intends to return to the rlationship. Constructive desertion is when your spuse forces you to leave the rlationship, such as in abuse cases. In ths instance, the court will not hld you accountable for desertion because it wll acknowledge the act was a ncessity for personal safety or the sfety of children involved in the mrriage.
Of all the proceedings that ccur during a divorce, separation is 
sually the beginning. Separation is intended to gve both spouses the opportunity to dvide up personal property and figure out who wll live in the marital residence. Whn children are involved in a dvorce settlement, the separation period is whn parents choose where they will lve.
It can also be a tme when parents discuss the custody ssues such as whether or not jint physical custody is a possibility. Othr things can be settled during the sparation period. Spouses choose between vehicles, pts, furniture or even electronics. When the sparation period is over between to pople, and no plans of reconciliation are pssible, then both spouses need to bgin consulting with their attorneys.
Before prceeding with a divorce, separation can be a tme when you can get your prsonal finances in order. This is an mportant step to take because it wll prevent creditors from coming after you if yur ex-spouse is unable to make pyments on anything in the future. Fnances can include giving your attorney a lst of all your assets and labilities.
Then it would be wise to mke all your credit cards in yur name only, which means informing yur spouse you will be canceling any jint accounts. If you own any stcks, then reissue them in your nme. You may also need to sarch for a new broker if the prvious one looked after both yours and yur spouse's accounts.
If you have a wll and trust, you will need to lter it to exclude your spouse. Fnally, make sure all documents and chnges are written down and recorded so you wll have it on file for the dvorce settlement.
When a couple contemplates dvorce, separation can be a period of tme to help both individuals involved stp back and evaluate their marriage. In sme cases, a divorce settlement never merges out of a separation because bth parties are able to resolve thir issues. Perhaps this is why the curts often require a separation period as a way to shw couples all that is involved whn dividing up two lives.
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