Legal separation is not a step in the divorce process. It deals solely with financial issues. It is usually used where one person needs to keep medical coverage (because they would still be legally married that way) or one person has an issue such as gambling (because it splits up the finances so you aren't jointly liable). It's a remnant of the days when D wasn't an option.
Either person can file a legal separation and it goes into effect the day it is signed by the court.
It can resolve additional issues such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, asset and debt division, former name restoration, and even restraining orders.
Michelle - Proud DR Rockette S: 28JUL07, D'd: 29OCT09 http://tinyurl.com/27j9qo2
