07 Apr 2021, Arizona, USA

Marriage and divorce are both everyday experiences. In western cultures, more than 90 per cent of people marry by the age of 50. Healthy marriages are suitable for couples’ mental and physical health and the children; who grow up in a happy home. It also protects children from physical, mental, educational and social problems. However, with the divorce rates in the US being as high as 40 to 50 per cent, the situation poses a threat for individuals.

Bitter relationships are unbearable mentally and can cause depressing situations. Is there any way out other than the parting way through a divorce?

Yes, Legal separation is one such provision that keeps the chances of reconciliation alive!

It is a legal proceeding through which a married couple seeks a legal statue to live apart and end marital obligations towards each another—wondering how it can save marriage? It differs from divorce as the couple is still in the marriage bond, and marital separation does not end marital status.

How Is Marital Separation Different from Divorce?

A separation isn't similar to a divorce. Marital Separation requires the couple to live apart but still maintain the legal status until they decide to proceed with a judgment of divorce from the court.

Legal separation is known with different names depending upon the state you live in; it is also referred to as a "limited divorce" or a "judicial separation". Some state laws demand that the spouses must be legally separated before they obtain a divorce. The length of time required for a legal separation is usually between 6 months to 2 years, which varies, depending on state laws. In jurisdictions where people do not hold the right to a legal separation, the couple can simply choose to live apart and enter into a written separation agreement, which would have the same effect.

Finances During a Legal Separation?

During a legal separation, the couple is not obligated towards the other person's debts, nor are they responsible for having the income made by the other person. Income earned after separation is the separate property of individuals. Similarly, any debt acquired after separation is an individual responsibility and none of the partner’s obligation.

Arizona Legal Separation Agreement Provisions:

Couples who have voluntarily decided to separate are required to enter into a Marital Arizona Separation Agreement. This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party during the separation, including division of property, child custody and support, spousal support/alimony (if applicable).

Creating Arizona Separation Agreement allows you to define some terms for your separation, rather than the court deciding it for you. The Separation Agreement created by the parties is then upheld by the court and entered, as long as it is legally fair.

Does Legal Separation Always End in Divorce?

Divorce is not a necessary proceeding following every Legal Marital Separation. The separation period can work out as a reconciliation period for many couples, who may find ways to resolve the challenges after a break. Those couples finding themselves happier apart may proceed for a divorce.

If spouses decide to come back together, all they need to do is apply to the court to change their marital status, and they will get back to being married to each other. Since each state has its laws regarding property, debt division and marital separation, it's advisable to check the laws about the county you reside in.

forms.legal is a website offering free creation of an Arizona Separation Agreement along with on-line samples and templates of legal forms that make Legal Separation in Arizona much faster.

To know more visit at https://forms.legal/free-az-marital-separation-agreement/