In addition to handling divorce cases, Jacqueline M. Eaton also assists people pursuing Legal Separation in Johnson City, Jonesborough, Erwin, Elizabethton, as well as the Tri Cities region of 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:
- Division of property, including assets and debts.
- Establishing the primary custodial parent and setting alternate parenting time or visitation of your children.
- Setting the terms and amount of child support and spousal support.
The main difference between divorce and legal separation is that legally separated spouses remain married and therefore are not free to remarry. Orders of Legal Separation can later be the basis for obtaining a divorce between the parties.
Filing for separation is a not a matter to take lightly. Contact Ms. Eaton to learn more about Legal Separation in Johnson City.
Reasons for choosing Legal Separation
Considering that the consequences of Johnson City Legal Separation are nearly as far-reaching as divorce, one might ask: Why would anybody choose Separation over Divorce?
There are several possible answers to this question:
- The parties may be opposed to divorce for moral or religious reasons.
- The parties may wish to retain tax and health insurance benefits from the marriage.
- In matters where the parties have reached an agreement, orders of legal separation can be completed faster than a divorce.
Filing for Legal Separation in Johnson City
The process for filing for legal separation is essentially the same as for filing for 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.
Call (423) 753-0506 or contact Jacqueline M. Eaton for help with legal separation in Johnson City.
The material on the site is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The information should not be relied on, and the user should take no action nor refrain from taking any action on the basis of any matter or information contained in the web site, without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in the user’s state.
