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Legal Separation Decades of Experience

Legal Separation Agreements in Orange County

Trusted Lawyers for Legal Separation in California

Are you and your spouse considering legal separation?

Whatever the reason for separation, it can be a viable option for couples that do not yet wish to obtain a divorce but want to live apart. Additionally, in a legal separation, the couple's assets, debts, and responsibility for making different parenting decisions are divided up. For some couples, this makes separation a great test run to determine whether or not they want to completely dissolve the marriage.

Let our team at The Hunter Law Group help you through this difficult time. Backed by our decades of combined legal experience, you can rest easy knowing we will work hard to protect your best interests.

Call a separation attorney near you at (888) 844-9281 today!

Understanding the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce

The key difference is that filing for legal separation does not end a marriage; a divorce does.

In addition, neither partner is allowed to remarry or seek out a partnership with another individual while they are legally separated. Both individuals are allowed to seek out spousal support, child custody, visitation rights, and other items that are commonly dealt with in divorce cases.

Is Legal Separation the Right Choice for You?

If you are confused about whether divorce or legal separation is the right path for you, allow our Mission Viejo family law attorney to explain some of the more common motives involved.

Legal separation may be a viable option if one of the following applies to you:

  1. Religious reasons stand in the way of obtaining a divorce
  2. Personal values or beliefs are an obstacle for getting a divorce
  3. Residency requirements for divorce cannot be met according to California State laws
  4. Financial reasons such as health insurance or other benefits will be lost for one of the spouses if divorced

Following a similar process as divorce, legal separation may be the perfect option for those that eventually wish to dissolve their marriage, but currently cannot do so because of certain state laws.

Legal Separation Requirements in California

  • The California Family Code §2321 states that that an individual can file for separation and then file for dissolution of marriage after the 6 month/3 month residency requirement is met.
  • This residency requirement states that at least one of the spouses or partners must reside in California for a minimum of 6 months, and in their particular county for a minimum of 3 months before getting a divorce.
  • Legal separation allows for couples who are waiting on their residency requirements to still be able to live separate lives in the meantime.
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Helping Draft a Strategy To Help You Move Forward

Working With Our Professionals at Hunter Law Group
  • Giving You One-On-One Advice
    When you schedule your initial consultation with our firm, you'll be able to speak directly with one of our experienced family law attorneys and begin discussing the specifics of your case.
  • Helping You Write The Next Chapter
    We're committed to helping you move on with proactive legal solutions to help resolve a wide range of family law related concerns. To learn more, we recommend reaching out to our offices to schedule a consultation.
  • Decades of Legal Experience
    Our team of legal professionals have a strong understanding of family law and the various elements that can affect your divorce, child support, and post-divorce agreement.
  • Customized Legal Solutions
    At Hunter Law Group, we take our time to get to know you, your case, and the specifics of your situation to better provide legal solutions tailored to your specific case or legal concern.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

At Hunter Law Group, we've spend over a decade providing unparalleled legal service, advice, and guidance to our clients throughout Southern California.

    “I appreciate the way he represented me with honesty and integrity.”
    Mr Hunter is a knowledgeable attorney that advised me appropriately through a complicated and sensitive case. He and his staff were attentive and thorough.
    Heidi B.
    “I highly recommend Mr. Hunter and his legal team.”

    Mr. Hunter has provided and continues to provide my business with excellent legal services.  His expertise and dedication has delivered results that have exceeded expectations, including a multi-million dollar judgment we received on a complex business litigation issue.  I highly recommend Mr. Hunter and his legal team.

    Jason H,
    “It’s an understatement when I say Dan Hunter was capable and trustworthy during a very tough divorce process!”
    I highly recommend you chose him to represent you…and then REST ASSURED that you have made a great choice! He was both collaborative and strategic in getting me the best possible outcome. Not to mention, he has an amazing staff that are well versed in law themselves and also professional and kind to lend an ear to my gripes from time to time.
    Nicole K.
    “My only complaint is that I wish I would have found him earlier.”
    I was actually in trial when I realized that my then current attorney "was not cutting it" so to speak. Mr. Hunter agreed to take my case in the middle of trial. I was relieved! Unfortunately, the damage had been done. He was not able to turn the trial judge around, so Mr. Hunter took my case up on appeal and WON! The result on appeal was a reversal of the trial court's spousal support order as well as an order for a new trial on the issue of attorneys' fees. At the second trial on the issue of attorneys' fees and costs, Mr. Hunter was successful in obtaining an order that saved me from having to pay approximately $180,000 in legal fees and costs to my ex-wife. What a relief!!! Mr. Hunter is a master at his craft. My only complaint is that I wish I would have found him earlier.
    Mike