What is separate maintenance in a legal separation?

Almost every couple hits a rough patch in their relationship at some point. Some decide to take a break from their marriage to sort things out and choose a trial separation.

However, when there is a complete breakdown of their marriage with no scope of reconciliation then a permanent legal separation is an alternative for those who do not want a divorce. Separate maintenance is granted to couples who are legally separated. For the most part, it is similar to alimony in a divorce, according to Dane County, Wisconsin divorce lawyers.

This couple actually likes each other. For a marriage to work, it is not all about love, you have to actually like the other person to make it work. 

When does legal separation happen?

Arguments are common in marriages but when arguments become overbearing and constant then it is obvious that a couple is going through a difficult time. Following this they may decide to take a break from each other but continue to work on solving their differences.

Couples fight for many reasons. Now Brad Kelly and his sons fight all the time on the show Bering Sea Gold but the main reason Brad’s sons have a problem with him is because he is not honorable. He steals gold from his own sons! And this is what infuriates Andy and Kris. Their father, Brad, steals gold from them on national TV – Discovery Channel. Now this is not a married couple but this shows you that people can fight over anything and if one family member steals from another, when someone you should be able to trust destroys that trust, then you have a reason to be upset.

Moreover, this is when a trial separation happens for a limited period of time. During this period, couples seek counseling and also decide to move out of the family home for a period of time in a bid to sort out their grievances. Trial separations do not involve courts or lawyers.

However, when the differences become irreconcilable then legal separation with the assistance of Wisconsin divorce attorneys and courts become an alternative when divorce is out of question. Legal separation is not common but some couples are not prepared for a divorce for the sake of their children, health, or tax benefits, and in some cases, for their religious beliefs when their church does not condone getting a divorce.

Legal separation works almost like a divorce. The couple will have to share their properties and debt. They will need to agree on issues of child custody and support. If they cannot agree then the court will decide on their behalf. Dane County, WI divorce lawyers reiterate that the court does not provide a divorce decree. This means that the couple will remain married and will not be able to remarry until they secure a divorce.

What is separate maintenance?

Separate maintenance is not very different from alimony. However, the term alimony is not used because the couple is still legally married although separate maintenance is determined by the same factors that are considered for alimony.

In most cases the partner who is financially weaker is granted separate maintenance. However, it is important to understand that the factors that determine the amount and duration of payments include the duration of marriage, earning abilities, and respective ages.

Some things you can do on your own, even thinking about a divorce is not one of them. You need a Dane County, WI divorce lawyer. 

How to select an attorney for your legal maintenance?

If you contemplate legal separation, it would be salient and sensible to consult with a Wisconsin divorce lawyer since the process involves several critical issues such as debt and property division, child support and custody, in addition to the duration of the separate maintenance.

Make sure to choose a legal professional that has extensive experience in the process and issues surrounding legal separation. This stage is often a precursor to a divorce so you ought to make sure you are well prepared for any situation.

If you really want to ruin a situation steal from someone that trusts you like Brady Kelly likes to do. But if you care about someone and you treat them right then perhaps the situation can be salvaged. Even if your marriage has hopes you will still need legal help since you need to know your options and you need to make smart legal moves while adhering to morality. You need to be prepared for anything. You need a legal counselor. You can find one right here: Divorce.USAttorneys.com. Legal help is right around the virtual corner.