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“Kevin and his team helped me though a nasty divorce, they looked out for the best interest of my children and I the entire time. I would highly recommend the Law Firm” - Tom G.
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“He has always been accessible to communicate with, which was greatly appreciated throughout my case. I highly recommend Ft. Worth Lawyers.” - S. C.
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“He knew exactly how to handle my narcissistic now ex-husband. I have referred a friend to him & she too has been very happy with his expertise in handling her difficult case.” - Lana
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“Family issues are something I would never wish on anyone but Kevin and Lisa were very professional and kind through the whole process. Never easy but I feel they made it far easier than it could have been. I would highly recommend the whole team to help th” - Bill P.
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“I am so glad I found Kevin because he helped me all the way through a trial!! My now ex-husband was difficult to say the least. Kevin knew how to deal with a crazy narcissist!!” - Donna M.
Legal Separation in Texas
Fort Worth Attorneys Helping Texas Clients with Legal Separation
There are different reasons why spouses might want to spend time apart without seeking a legal divorce. This may be the case due to religious values, insurance, financial religious reasons, or simply because you hope for a reconciliation. Separation provides the opportunity for all of the above.
When you separate in the Fort Worth area, you should always consult with an experienced legal separation attorney. The right attorney will review potential issues you may face and help find the resolutions necessary to protect your rights.
If you are considering legal separation in Fort Worth, contact our Texas attorneys at Law Office of J Kevin Clark P.C. today.
What Is Legal Separation?
A legal separation is a court-ordered arrangement where a couple is still married, but they are no longer living together. It’s normally done when a couple doesn’t know if they want to get a divorce, but they want to establish boundaries for finances and responsibilities.
Couples opting to separate will still need to address several issues, such as how to share finances, child custody or child support, and more.
Is There Legal Separation in Texas?
In Texas, legal separation is not recognized.
There are other options, including a separation agreement which is similar to legal separation. This means you can still separate from your spouse; there is simply no legal status associated with that move.
Keep in mind that separating from your spouse has its cons. A common one is that you will not be able to marry someone else, which is also one of the disadvantages of legal separation. If you want to remarry, you will need to formally dissolve your marriage.
Learn more about separation agreements in Texas and whether separation is right for you below.
Fort Worth Separation Agreements
Many states have laws governing legal separation for spouses living apart. As mentioned, Texas has no law that sets out procedures for legal separation. The only time a court in Texas will rule on marital issues, such as property division, is after spouses have already filed for divorce.
Prior to a divorce filing, spouses will need to explore other methods of settling their affairs while they are separated.
Handling Property Division in Legal Separation Texas
One common way to handle property division and support issues is to enter into an informal separation agreement. This can be drafted by your attorney, and you can sign it without going to court. Like other legally binding contracts, there are consequences if one spouse fails to adhere to the agreement.
A separation agreement can include many terms, including:
- Financial responsibilities of each spouse, including which debts each spouse will pay and whether one spouse will provide financial support for the other
- Property rights, such as who will get to live in the family home, who will get each vehicle, how they will divide personal property such as furniture, and more
- Child visitation rights, including the schedule for sharing custody of the children
Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) & Temporary Orders
In some cases, it may be necessary to file a SAPCR, which is a custody case opened outside of a divorce case. This can help settle custody sharing of your child if you and your spouse cannot agree. Custody is one matter the court will handle outside of a divorce case.
Temporary Orders
Divorce cases can take time, and spouses may not want to live together during a lengthy divorce. Once the petition is filed and the case is proceeding, the court can issue temporary orders that apply while the couple is separated and waiting for the divorce to be final. In many cases, the terms of the temporary order will be incorporated into the final divorce order.
Contact a Fort Worth Legal Separation Lawyer to Discuss Your Options
Even though there is no official legal separation under Texas law, there are still many ways an attorney can help resolve property and child-related issues while you are separated. The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark works with clients who are separating, whether or not they are certain divorce is in their future.
Call (817) 241-3328 or contact us online to learn how we can help in your legal separation case.
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