Should we do a legal trial separation before divorcing?
CAnewleaf20261 month ago
Not 100% sure we want a divorce. Is a legal separation a useful intermediate step?
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✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
CA legal separation uses almost the same forms and process as divorce — it's not a cheaper or faster intermediate step. The reason people choose it: religious objections to divorce, or staying on a spouse's health insurance (some plans allow this for separated spouses, most do not now — check the plan). For a 'we might reconcile' situation, an informal trial separation with a written interim financial agreement is usually more practical than a filed legal separation. Get a consult either way.
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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.