Legal Separation and Change of Marital Status
You can get a legal separation instead of a Divorce. In additions you are not required to have resided in California for six months, or your county for three months before filing.
You may have religious,
insurance, tax or other reasons for wanting a legal separation rather than a
dissolution. If you obtain a legal separation, you will remain married to the
other party, but the court can divide your property and make orders relating to
child custody, visitation, child support and spousal support, and, if
necessary, issue a restraining order.
You may also file for divorce, divide your property and make orders regarding child custody, support, visitation and spousal support. You simply separate your property issues from your status. This is called a bifurcation. The issue of status can be determined at a later date, and it does not have to be decided within the 6-month waiting period for a divorce to become effective.
For more information, please send an email inquiry to SD Legal - Documents or chat with a representative if one is available. Do to work load and other priorities, chat is not available at all times.