Connecticut residents like you who are considering splitting from your spouse have a number of options available. Today, Reich & Truax will discuss two of them: divorce and legal separation. They can provide unique benefits depending on how they’re used and the situation they are used in.
Divorce is a permanent solution to irreconcilable differences in a marriage. There are several different grounds for which you can get a divorce in Connecticut, including intolerable cruelty or adultery. However, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the most common reason. After getting a divorce, you are free to remarry. Nothing ties you to your ex-spouse. You will no longer share healthcare, bank accounts, retirement funds, and marriage benefits.
A legal separation follows similar steps as a divorce. However, you and your spouse are considered separated rather than divorced by the end of the process. This means that you cannot remarry until the marriage has been dissolved. However, you are no longer bound together in a marriage. Most importantly, you can still share spousal benefits such as health insurance. This is also a good option for people whose religious beliefs disallow them from getting divorced.
As you can see, there are benefits and potential drawbacks to either decision. It depends on what you are looking for specifically. Whether a legal separation or a divorce is what you go with, it can help to have the aid of an attorney. You can take a look at our web page on divorce options for more information.