Which is Good For You--Legal Separation or Divorce?

It is one of the most common questions asked of any Westlake Village divorce attorney. Legal separation or divorce--which is the better option? It sounds like a simple straightforward question. However, it is impossible to answer without knowing the exact specifics of the marriage in question. Nobody deserves to spend the rest of their life in an unhappy marriage. Before you decide to end your marriage, it is important to understand all of your options by seeking legal advice from a Westlake Village divorce attorney.



Why Choose Legal Separation?


When a couple is legally separated, they are still legally married despite living apart. Should a couple opt for divorce, they will have to take several legal steps to complete the process. In many troubled marriages, couples are dealing with communication issues--basically a lack of communication. Legal separation gives both parties to spend time alone while also giving them the opportunity to resolve their difference. In California, couples filing for divorce are required to attend at least one session of mediation. Here are some other reasons why more couples in Westlake Village are choosing legal separation.

  • Some couples choose legal separation for religious or moral reasons.

  • In some marriages, one spouse may have earned eligibility for government benefits, such as Social Security.

  • In other marriages, one spouse may choose to stay married to receive the other spouse’s insurance or medical benefits.

  • Couples that stay legally married are eligible for tax breaks.

  • Many couples choose legal separation work out their difference and hope for a reconciliation.

  • Some couples may not be eligible to file for divorce in California because they have yet to meet the state’s residency requirements.

  • Legal separation is a good way for couples to live apart without having to deal with the stressful negotiations of divorce.

How a Westlake Village Divorce Attorney Can Help


Filing for divorce in California is one of the most important legal decisions a person will ever make in their lives. Divorce does not just end with a settlement handed down by the court. It involves a series of commitments by both parties--particularly when children and significant assets are involved. Having an experienced divorce attorney on your side can provide a valuable legal advocate to provide sound advice and assistance on how to move on from a troubled marriage. While many couples choose legal separation, it may not be the best option for everyone. If one party does not see any financial benefit, it may not be in their best interest to stay married. Legal separation also gives each spouse the opportunity to see other people. In many cases, they may decide to get married to someone else.

Contact Westlake Village Divorce Attorney Stephanie L. Mahdavi For a Free Initial Consultation


Whether you are planning file for divorce or seeking legal separation, it is important to choose an experienced family law attorney who can provide sound legal advice and protect your interests. For more than 15 years, attorney Stephanie L. Mahdavi has provided legal representation and counsel for countless people throughout Ventura County looking to resolve their family law issues. To learn more, contact Westlake Village Law Offices of Stephanie L. Mahdavi and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

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