Legal separation lawyers in Katy, TX help couples file documentation with the court that protects each of the spouse’s interests before they decide to divorce. It can be tempting to simply break up and not address any legal issues, but that leaves both at risk for various negative possibilities.
Interestingly, Texas does not actually recognize legal separation but does allow for temporary orders that set up rules of behavior for married couples who split up. For example, if one spouse runs up a credit card balance, the other is technically responsible as well, unless a legal separation has established barriers against that type of responsibility. These parameters can also require each spouse to pay a certain percentage of their mutual bills. Although the term legal separation is not recognized by the court, the documentation and its purpose are essentially the same as in states that do address this legal concept. For this reason, residents of Texas tend to call the action a legal separation. Visit The Vendt Law Firm, PLLC for assistance.
Small but important matters can be addressed in this legal arrangement. For instance, one person may stay in the family home while the other moves out. What happens with the mail? Should the person who moves out have personal mail forwarded or can they pick it up regularly? Is it OK for either spouse to open mail addressed to both individuals?
Legal separation lawyers in Katy, TX are essential when children are involved. The documentation will set forth parameters as to which parent the children live with full-time or whether the parents will share physical custody. Visitation schedules can be set up. Child support may be arranged. The spouses can decide whether one parent can spend time with the kids at the other parent’s home.
The new living situation gives everyone a chance to see how it will feel to divorce if the spouses are not entirely sure they want to split up for good. They may decide to pursue marriage counseling and reconciliation, or they may find that the separation is working well for them and proceed with a divorce.
