In general, I believe LS is pretty much everything a divorce is, without the divorce. All child and money matters are settled, and for practical purposes you no longer have the legal benefits (or encumberances) of the M. I think the main benefit is that you are protected financially, if your partner goes irresponsible on you. Also, you have legal claim to whatever child support and spousal support are determined. (I'm sure it varies from state to state, I think some states do not have LS.) I have heard that one disadvantage to LS is that if you then get D, you end up paying lawyers and courts twice for the same work. I don't know the accuracy of this.
