Sometimes Separation Is the Right Answer. Not Divorce.

People are often surprised that legal separation in California offers nearly everything divorce does — division of property, child custody, support orders, restraining orders — without the finality of dissolution.

When does separation make sense? When religious beliefs make divorce impossible. When one spouse needs to stay on the other's health insurance. When you haven't met the six-month residency requirement for divorce but need orders now. When you want to test the separation before going final.

And if you change your mind later, separation can usually be converted to divorce. We'll explain the trade-offs so you make the right choice the first time.