Nashville Legal Separation Lawyers

Maybe your marriage has hit a rough patch. However, just because you and your spouse are having difficulties doesn’t mean you want to go through with a divorce just yet. You’re not ready to call it quits but just want to spend some time apart. Maybe then you can sort out whether you want to stay together or not. If this sounds familiar, you may be better off talking to lawyers about legal separation rather than divorce.

For decades, the Nashville legal separation lawyers at Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard, PLLC have been helping couples come to an agreement on separation. With extensive knowledge in family law, we can guide you through the process, negotiate child custody and support, and file all the necessary paperwork.

How Legal Separation Differs From Divorce

What many couples don’t realize is legal separation is not a quick or easy divorce. It requires the same court proceedings. Like a divorce, a legal separation can be a complete division between the two parties. The court divides assets, property, and debt between the spouses, awards spousal support, and arranges child support and custody. It can be just as expensive as a divorce. But the difference between a legal separation and a divorce is that you are still married in the eyes of the law. This is true even if a spouse becomes disabled or dies.

Even in a legal separation, the couple can still cohabitate and continue to be recognized as a married couple. Whereas in a divorce, the separation is final. The couple will need to remarry if they choose to get back together after divorce.

Why Separate Instead of Divorce?

While every couple is different, some can benefit more from a legal separation than a divorce. Some advantages to separating as opposed to divorcing include:

• Health Insurance – Most plans do not allow divorced couples to continue coverage for former spouses. So in cases where a family cannot afford to have more than one insurance plan, it may be wiser to separate than to get a divorce.
• Retirement Benefits – Depending on employment history, one spouse may not have retirement benefits available to them. A non-working spouse can claim under his or her spouse’s if the marriage lasts at least 10 years. If you’re close to the 10-year mark, you may want to separate rather than divorce until you reach it.
• Religious Beliefs – Some religions either frown upon or don’t recognize divorce. A legal separation allows those couples to live apart without violating their religious beliefs.
• Grounds for Divorce – In Tennessee, you must have grounds for your divorce. One of those grounds is separation from your spouse for two or more years. This is only if the couple does not have minor children together. In addition, an absolute divorce can be granted if one of the spouses files a petition appending the separation agreement.

How Our Nashville Legal Separation Lawyers Can Help

When deciding whether a legal separation is right for you, it is important to know exactly what other options are available. The Nashville legal separation lawyers at Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard, PLLC can guide you through the process and help work out the specifics of your separation agreement. If down the road you plan to get a divorce, our attorneys can advise you on the best strategy.

If you live in Nashville, Springfield, or anywhere in Davidson and Williamson Counties and are considering a legal separation, let us help. Contact our legal separation lawyers now to set up an appointment to discuss your needs.