What is a legal separation?

Other Separation and Divorce FAQs

• What is an annulment?
  An annulment is a method of voiding the contract of marriage. If an annulment is granted, the result is that the parties are treated as if the marriage never occurred. … more
• What exactly does it mean to be divorced?
  If you are divorced it means that a judge has signed a “dissolution of marriage” declaring that you are no longer legally married to your spouse.  … more
• What is the difference between a “fault” and “no fault” divorce?
  A “no fault” divorce is one where the spouse filing for divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. All states allow divorces … more
• My husband said that he will “not allow” me to get divorced from him. Can he legally stop the divorce?
  In a no fault divorce state there is nothing that your husband can do to legally prevent you from filing for and obtaining a divorce decree from the court. However, a … more
• How do I file for divorce?
  Filing for divorce is like initiating any other civil lawsuit – you must first file papers at the courthouse (a “Complaint”).  Many states have … more
• How long does it take to get divorced?
  This is really a two-part question.  Most states require a certain period of time to pass between the filing of the initial paperwork and the issuance of a … more
• My husband and I do not make much money and we really don’t own anything of much value – is there a simplified way for us to get divorced?
  It depends.  Some states offer a simplified version of divorce that may be available to you.  In the states that do, it is usually required that you and your … more