Experienced, Skilled, & Effective Santa Maria Divorce Attorneys

The decision to end a marriage is difficult to say the least. However, In California, there are three different and distinct ways to alter the legal status of your marriage: legal separation, annulment, and divorce. The three variations of ending a marriage should be fully understood before pursuing any form of separation.

Legal Separation

A legal separation does not legally end a marriage. A legal separation allows a couple to make arrangements regarding property division, spousal support, custody and visitation, and child support while remaining legally married. There are various reasons why a couple may choose a legal separation over a divorce. If their personal or religious beliefs prohibit an actual divorce, a legal separation would allow them to live apart yet remain legally married. Other couples may choose this option for financial reasons. For instance, they may wish to keep certain benefits, insurance plans, or for tax incentives.

Annulment

An annulment restores the parties to their legal status as if no marriage had ever taken place. There are limited grounds on which the court will annul a marriage. Often, fraud, concealment, or misrepresentation are causes for an annulment. For example, if one person had a sexually transmitted disease, a serious criminal record, or illegal citizenship status, that the other person did not know about prior to entering into the marriage, the court may grant an annulment.

Divorce

A divorce legally ends the marriage. California is a “no fault” state, which means that either party may seek to end the marriage for any reason, so long as there are “irreconcilable differences” between the parties that make the marriage no longer viable. Depending on the facts of your case, in a divorce, you may need to resolve issues involving property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.

Whatever your reason may be for ending a marriage, The Law Office of Christopher S. Biely's Santa Maria divorce attorneys can walk you through each of your options thoroughly and clearly. As a dedicated California family law practice, we establish close working relationships with our clients, resulting in strong and effective representation. If you find yourself facing divorce or other family law issues, please contact us at (805) 928-3641 to discuss the best option for you and your family.