Legal Separations

Alternatives to Divorce

Many couples do not understand the differences between a divorce and legal separation. Still others believe it is only a natural step towards divorce. Under Connecticut law, couples who want to live apart while enjoying the same rights and responsibilities as married couples must file for a legal separation. If you want to learn more about legal separation, contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald M. Gallant for a free initial consultation.

Our firm assists couples living in Southern Connecticut who are seeking a legal separation. We will draft a separation agreement addressing issues of child custody, child support, alimony, and property distribution.

The process of getting a legal separation is similar to that of a divorce. You must file a petition with the court, make a disclosure to your spouse, agree upon financial support, and plan for your children. This process occurs either through mediation or through litigation.

Benefits of Legal Separation

Legal separation offers many benefits over a typical divorce. We educate couples about the appropriateness of a legal separation instead of a divorce. Some of the benefits our clients receive through separation include:

• Social Security benefits
• Health insurance coverage
• Inheritance rights
• Life insurance policies
• Flexible contracts

Unlike a divorce decree, a separation agreement is not a final court order dissolving the marriage of the parties. It can serve as a way to expedite a future proceeding for divorce, if that later becomes necessary. A legal separation allows the court to modify the terms of the contract before finalizing a divorce decree.

If you want to find out more about the benefits of a legal separation, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald M. Gallant. Our firm assists couples throughout Southern Connecticut, including people in Shelton, Bridgeport, New Haven, Danbury, Waterbury, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, East Haven, Fairfield, Orange, Woodbridge, Hamden, Naugatuck, Ansonia, Derbv, Seymour, Oxford, Monroe, Wallingford, Fairfield County, New Haven County, and throughout the Naugatuck Valley, who are seeking a separation.