Get legal help with your Long Beach separation agreement

A Long Beach divorce can be complex with many factors to consider. Separation is another option that couples often contemplate as an alternative to divorce. The Law Offices of Homer L. Harris & Associates helps clients view their marital situation to determine whether developing a Long Beach separation agreement would best serve their purposes.

Long Beach legal separation

The California Code provides for legal separation. This allows a married couple or domestic partners to live apart. The separation agreement determines child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Unlike divorce, couples do not need to meet California residency requirements to file for a Long Beach separation. Separating spouses may also request court orders, such as restraining orders for domestic violence. For help with any separation matters, contact Long Beach divorce attorney Homer Harris.

Why get a separation in Long Beach?

There are a number of common reasons why couples choose separation in Long Beach, often including:

• Taxes. Couples with substantial wealth undergoing a lengthy, complex divorce process can sometimes minimize their income taxes by taking a tax deduction for spousal support based on a separation agreement. Couples can still file joint tax returns as a married couple while the divorce is in progress.
• Insurance. A legal separation often allows continued insurance coverage because a couple can maintain a joint policy.
• Social Security benefits. Social security carries a 10-year marriage requirement to qualify for retirement benefits, based on one of the spouse’s prior Social Security record. A couple may gain a financial advantage if they remain married through separation and qualify for Social Security benefits.
• Veterans or military pension benefits. Military pension benefits become vested after 10 years. A legal separation allows a couple to remain married so they can satisfy pension requirements.
• Reconciliation. Many couples hope to work out their differences and eventually reconcile the marriage. A separation provides time apart for further consideration, yet they can work out all the agreed upon terms in a divorce for their separation.
• Religion. Some religions do not recognize divorce. Legal separation is the only way for a couple to remain married while still having a formal child custody, child support, and property division agreement.

Couples with substantial wealth undergoing a lengthy, complex divorce process can sometimes minimize their income taxes by taking a tax deduction for spousal support based on a separation agreement. Couples can still file joint tax returns as a married couple while the divorce is in progress.

Discuss Long Beach legal separation with Homer L. Harris & Associates

Homer L. Harris & Associates is experience in Long Beach divorce law and can handle your separation in Long Beach. We offer free initial consultations which are confidential and at no obligation. Call 562-472-2029 or contact us online today.