Legal Separation in Atlanta

To divorce or not to divorce

As a divorce lawyer, Barbara E. Keon is occasionally asked about the possibility of separation in Atlanta as an alternative to a full dissolution of marriage. While many states do have specific provisions for "legal separation", Georgia is not one of them. In other states, such as California, married couples sometimes file for separation either as a precursor to divorce or as an alternative legal status for the relationship.

Even if some Georgia residents may feel dismayed that separation is not an option, they should know that there are very few differences between divorce and separation. Perhaps, the major difference—and disadvantage in the eyes of some people—is that legally separated couples are forbidden to remarry. Attorney Barbara Keon stresses that separation is not merely a formal recognition of an informal split, but a decision with far-reaching consequences on key issues:

  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Alimony
  • Property division

If you are seeking an Atlanta separation agreement, you are in the wrong state. However, as many divorce lawyers would argue, if you are ready for separation, you are probably ready for a divorce. Contact attorney Barbara Keon for alternatives to separation in Atlanta.

What the point of separation?

With so many of the same, important issues at stake, one might wonder why people would want to choose separation over divorce. This is a good question with a few possible answers:

Separation can be used to settle the important matters when couples are not yet eligible for full divorce, which usually happens after a spouse satisfies residency requirements.

Separation can be used by couples to maintain certain medical and tax benefits.
Separation can be the choice for couples with religious or moral opposition to divorce.

Georgia, like many other states, has clearly decided that the reasons for allowing legal separation in Atlanta would not be justifiable.

Call (770) 350-8582 for divorce advice in the Metro Atlanta area.