Jacqueline M. Eaton

In addition to handling divorce cases, Jacqueline M. Eaton also assists people pursuing separation in Johnson City, Tennessee. Unlike some other states, Tennessee permits couples to legally separate without fully divorcing. In fact, the consequences of legal separation are quite similar to those of divorce.

While Tennessee law states that “legal separation shall not affect the bonds of matrimony, but shall permit the parties to cease matrimonial cohabitation”, key aspects of your personal and family life are decided in a separation agreement:

• Custody of your children
• The terms and amount of child support and spousal support
• The division of property and joint assets

The main difference between divorce and legal separation is that legally separated couples are forbidden to remarry because the marriage contract is not considered fully dissolved.

Filing for separation is a not a matter to take lightly. Contact Ms. Eaton to learn more about separation in Johnson City.

Considering that the consequences of Johnson City legal separation are nearly as far-reaching as divorce, one might ask: why would anybody choose separation?

There are several possible answers to this question:

• Spouses may not meet residency requirements for divorce yet, but may want to settle personal and financial matters as quickly as possible.
• Spouses may be opposed to divorce for moral or religious reasons.
• Spouses may wish to retain tax and health insurance benefits from the marriage.

The process for filing separation is similar to divorce. The filing party must file a complaint and supply grounds for the separation, which could include “irreconcilable differences.” If couples are unable to come to an agreement, mediation or even a trial may be required.