What actually counts as the 'date of separation'?
We slept in the same house for a while after we agreed we were done. Does that mean we weren't separated yet?
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We slept in the same house for a while after we agreed we were done. Does that mean we weren't separated yet?
✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
CA Family Code §70 — date of separation is when one spouse expressed the intent to end the marriage AND conduct was consistent with that intent. You don't have to be in separate houses. What matters: did one of you say 'we're done,' and did your finances, sleeping arrangements, social presentation, and day-to-day behavior change after that? Earnings after that date are separate property. Pin the date down honestly — it controls a lot. General info.
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