The process for a legal separation is essentially the same as for a divorce, but with the option for it to be reversed. Unlike divorced couples, legally separated couples can reconcile their differences in court, re-enter the marriage, and return to joint status. Below, we discuss the required steps for couples hoping to reverse a legal separation in the state of California.
Step 1
The most important factor in reentering a marriage following
a separation is that both spouses agree on doing so. Ideally the couple will
have since resolved some or all of the major matters that initially lead to the
separation.
Step 2
With your written Order of Legal Separation in hand, couples
can draft a motion to Vacate Order of Legal Separation. This document is
essentially the formal document needed to ask the court to review their
request.
Step 3
One a motion has been drafted, the court will require you to
draft an official Order to Vacate Order of Legal Separation. This is the second
step in confirming with the court that you wish to be remarried.
Step 4
The final step is to file the Motion and Order to Vacate with the clerk of the family court where the
legal separation was initially filed. Be sure to include a copy of the original
Order of Legal Separation at the time of filing and keep in mind that there is
typically a filing fee due at the time of filing, which must be paid before the
motion will be accepted.
When married couples find themselves at a crossroads it’s often a choice between separation and divorce. What separates these legal processes can be confusing and most couples are often left with more questions than answers. In this month’s blog, we define and clearly distinguish the similarities and differences between filing for legal separation vs filing for divorce in California.
Definitions
A legal separation is defined as an ordered agreement in
which married couples have legally defined boundaries and responsibilities.
This is often a three to four month process that couples take prior to filing
for an official divorce sometimes due to financial or religious reasons, or
because it was required by a judge. A separation can be reversed in court upon
all parties’ agreement in the decision.
Divorce is the irreversible legal dissolution of a marriage
in court. This process will take at least six months of hearings, negotiations,
and court ordered agreements before it will be finalized by a judge and made
permanent.
The Similarities
It is not necessary for both spouses to agree to end a
marriage when separating or divorcing. In California, couples filing for these processes
also do not have to prove that there was a ‘fault’ by either spouse that lead
to the decision.
Throughout both of these processes couples will have to
agree on the terms of child custody and support, alimony, child visitation,
attorney’s fees, and the division of assets or property. So essentially, the
settlement agreement in a legal separation is almost identical to a divorce
settlement agreement.
The Major Differences
The main difference between legal separation and divorce is
that when a legal separation is finalized, the parties do not revert to “single
person” status. This is important to note for taxes and health insurance
reasons. Ultimately, the most notable difference between legal separation and
divorce is that divorce is final.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you know is preparing for divorce or legal
separation in Southern California, it’s crucial that obtaining a lawyer comes first
and foremost. When choosing Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates as
your counsel you will benefit from decades of industry experience combined with
a reputation for honesty and success. Visit our website or call us today
at (949) 951-9529 for your free initial consultation.
Couples have been mercilessly fighting over pets in courts for decades. In recent years, California lawmakers have made some major changes to how animals are shared and divided between divorcing couples. While following along below, keep in mind that the California laws that have been passed are not obligatory, meaning judges still have the authority to call these cases as they see fit.
The Best Interest
At the start of 2019 California legal experts had to begin
adjusting the way they handled pets and divorce in court due to a newly passed
law. In late 2018 NBC
reported on the new law saying, “The measure provides judges with the power to
consider what’s in the best interests of the animal in divorce cases, instead
of treating them the way they’ve been treated by courts in the past — as
physical property.”
This means judges should consider what’s in the best
interests of the animal, very similarly to how child custody cases are resolved
in court. It’s up to judicial discretion to create a shared custody agreement
by taking into consideration factors like who walks, feeds and plays with the
pet when deciding who the animal should live with and when.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
As of present emotional support animals don’t qualify as
service animals in the legal system and are not protected under the Americans
with Disabilities Act. Also, under the ADA only dogs can legally be considered
service animals, with a rare exception only for miniature horses.
In a California divorce case service animals will go on to
continue living with the individual that the animal was initially placed with
for medical reasons. However, since ‘emotional support’ animals are not
typically recognized as legitimate by the courts, each individual judge will
have to establish custody agreements based on their personal discretion which
can vary case to case.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you know is going through divorce with
pets call on the local pros of Orange County Family Law Richard E.
Young & Associates for help. We are the easiest law firm to work with
in the county and have an A+ rating among our local community. Our team
specializes in divorce and family law including custody, trusts, visitation,
domestic violence, bankruptcy and much more!
Divorce is not easy for your kids, and it
might be challenging to talk to them about it. Overwhelming emotions and
confusing thoughts swish back in forth in your mind daily, and the pressure of
saying the wrong thing might make things worse. However, it can generate
positive foundations for a joyful future for everyone involved if the situation
is considerately managed. In this blog, we help you navigate with telling your
children about your divorce, supporting them, and learning to co-parent
successfully.
Both Parents Need to Be Present
The first essential thing to do before
telling your children anything is to plan what you will say. Both parents need
to agree on what you want to speak about and not. Also, the best time to tell
your children about the divorce is as soon as possible. It is crucial to talk
to them about real issues and not be discreet. Both parents need to tell the
children what’s going on simultaneously to answer any questions aroused. You need to anticipate any questions,
concerns, and emotions that will happen.
Assertiveness Prevents Preconceptions
Assertiveness is vital to prevent your
children from feeling that the divorce is their fault. Reminding your children
that they are loved will eliminate any preconceptions. Each conversation should
be direct and straightforward, explaining the reason for divorce in broad
terms. Leave any vulgar and blame outside the room when speaking to your
children about the divorce. The conversation should focus on the
age-appropriate manner and reassuring your kids that you will continue to love
them.
Scheduling the Conversation
Parents need to schedule the conversation where the kids have time to process what’s going on and ask any questions later. Every child will ask different questions depending on their age and emotional levels. And some children might stonewall or be silent because of the overwhelming emotions. The best time to speak to them is at the start of the weekend or a few days before the children go to school.
Co-Parenting Plan
Your marriage may not have lasted, but it
is essential to agree to not disagree with parenting. When you compromise on
how to raise a child, it will alleviate any issues that may come up. It can
help direct your future relationship’s condition more successfully and create a
positive transition for your children. When there are five to ten rules consistently
in both households, it establishes consistency and routine. The rules can be bedtime routines or similar
chores around the house.
Communication is prominent to successfully
co-parent. Regularly update and check in with each other to keep your
conversation focused on the children. Also, if face-to-face interaction is too
tricky, then it would be best to digitally communicate.
Children Look Up To You
Your children are looking up to you as a
role model. When you treat each other with respect and courtesy, it will
prevent any further issues. Try to distance yourself from foul mouthing and
eliciting lousy information about their parent because this will make your
children feel like you are testing their loyalty. Children will only lead to
distrust their parents, which creates more tension.
Allow Opportunities For Expression
As stated above, children need a space to
allow them to have the opportunity to express themselves. Your children will
experience different emotions at different intervals of the divorce process.
Always validate their feelings and encourage them to talk to both parents. With
young children, the best way for children to allocate themselves is using books
or imaginative play. Older children or teenagers show behavioral changes and
addressing them softly and gently. If they are struggling, seek professional
help from a therapist or counselor.
Conclusion
Divorce is complex for both parents and
children involved. The best approach is, to be honest, gentle, and
understanding in the situation. Working together as parents can help create a
sense of peace in both households. Above all, your children come first before
you, so make sure to allow them to express their emotions freely.
However, it is not easy to talk about
money and other severe topics with your ex-spouse. If you need assistance,
Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can help you legally coordinate
and navigate the divorce process by interceding for both parties. We manage
financial disputes, visitation, custody, and much more. Learn more about us at
our website today.
Imagine
this: it’s the holidays and everyone is ready for a vacation. People are
excited to take a load off and spend quality time with their loved ones. Maybe
they’ll take a road trip or go out-of-state for sight-seeing and new
experiences. However, this can be a difficult and tense subject to navigate
between divorced parents. Planning vacation time can come with its own set of
challenges especially when it involves a child custody agreement and limited
scheduling.
Scheduling Vacation Agreements
For those
who are still working through the details of a child custody and parenting
plan, it’s important to clearly define vacation time between you and your
ex-partner. All parents want to spend time with their children and for
divorcees, having a coordinated vacation schedule will help prevent conflicts
by setting some ground rules.
Talk to your
ex-partner and clearly define what can and cannot be done. Here are a few
examples of what to agree upon:
Determine
agreeable vacation destinations, whether it be local, out of state, or out of
the country.
Set
equal vacation days so your children can spend enough quality time with both
parents.
Discuss
activities that the children will participate in during the vacation.
Some divorced
parents may choose to establish specific dates each year in which they can take
their children on vacation. Others may choose to have unspecified dates
instead, but are required to notify the other parent in advance of when they
plan to take their children on vacation. Regardless of what option you may
choose, it is important to be clear and communicative with each other.
Be Transparent with Each Other
Incorporating
vacation plans can be difficult and tedious but it’s important to prevent
conflicts. In order to be transparent with each other, some divorcees may opt
to put plans into writing to ensure each party is aware of the set guidelines. If
you decide to make any changes to your plans, remember to inform the other. If an
emergency were to happen on a vacation, it’s important for the other to be
aware of where you are and what you were doing. Understand that remaining
communicative with each other is the first step in overcoming conflicts in a
child custody agreement.
Conclusion
Establishing
a vacation plan can be overwhelming, but by following agreed upon guidelines,
divorced parents can easily navigate and coordinate with each other while
spending quality time with their children. Here at Family Law Richard E. Young
& Associates, we help divorcees navigate confusing and tense child custody
agreements. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at (949) 951-9529
or visit our website to learn more about our services.
