If you have decided that you want to end your marriage, you must now determine whether to file for divorce or annulment. Divorce, which is also referred to as the Dissolution of Marriage, is the legal process that ends your marriage or domestic partnership. Once you are divorced, you will be single, and can marry or become a domestic partner again. A civil annulment on the other hand, is the judicial procedure that declares your marriage null because it was never legally valid. Once an annulment is granted, it is as though you were never married and you are free to marry anew.
If you still haven’t decided whether you want a divorce, you may want to consider a legal separation. A legal separation is a procedure whereby a court enters orders like child support, spousal support, custody and visitation or restraining orders for couples who are not getting divorced but instead, are choosing to live separate and apart. A legal separation does not end your marriage and you are not free to marry another unless and until you get divorced. Legal separations are often selected by people for religious reasons or when they are uncertain as to whether they want to dissolve their marriages.
State laws vary, therefore you will need to research your family laws before choosing divorce, annulment or legal separation. So this week, if you aren’t sure about which way to go, take some time to gather the information and expert opinions necessary to understand your options and make an educated decision.
This is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have legal questions that relate to your specific divorce. Technorati Tags: divorce tip annulment legal separation family law divorced marriage relationship women woman law
