Florida Legal Separation Agreements

Separation Agreements Regarding Support and Property

A temporary legal separation agreement is a common solution for spouses who have parted ways, but may not be ready to divorce. Same-sex partners and cohabitating couples may also benefit from a formal written legal separation agreement. It is critical to have these documents prepared by a knowledgeable separation attorney-mediator.

Does Florida Recognize Legal Separation as a Legal Status?

No. Florida law does not recognize legal separation, per se. However, the reality is that many married couples do separate without proceeding all the way to divorce.

This creates a legal gray area regarding:

• Use of assets
• Payment of debts
• Interim financial support of children and/or the spouse

Beth Reineke is a Florida Supreme Court Certified family law mediator. As a neutral attorney-mediator, she provides affordable assistance in negotiating and drafting separation agreements and related documents to couples throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties of Florida.

Call (813) 205-6675 to arrange a free phone consultation today. You can also schedule a mediation with Beth Reineke by clicking here.

Legal Separation vs. Divorce: Which Is Right for You?

Sometimes spouses enter a trial separation to allow for the possibility of reconciling later. Other times, spouses seek legal separation in lieu of divorce for religious reasons, financial advantages, or other personal considerations.

Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that Florida law does not recognize legal separation. You are either married or you are not.

What Is a Separation Agreement?

A separation agreement (a/k/a a postnuptial agreement) is merely a contract between the parties that specifies the negotiated terms.

The agreement may address temporary issues, such as:

• The marital residence (will one spouse live there or both?)
• Cars (use and loan and insurance payments)
• Joint and separate bank accounts (use and preservation)
• Responsibility for bills and debts
• Timesharing/visitation
• Child support
• Temporary spousal support

A legal separation agreement can be converted to a marital settlement agreement if the spouses later seek to finalize a marriage dissolution. Many of these issues can also be addressed in a postnuptial or prenuptial agreement.

Call a St. Petersburg Temporary Separation Agreements Neutral Attorney-Mediator

If you and your spouse are considering separation, Beth G. Reineke can help you get started. Taking a neutral, collaborative approach, she will work to draft a separation agreement that works well for you, your spouse, and any children.

Contact Beth G. Reineke online today for a consultation.