Legal Separation

Serving Detroit, Ann Arbor and all of Michigan

Marriage Dissolution

In Michigan, a legal separation, or separate maintenance action, has almost the same effect as a legal divorce—eliminating financial and other legal ties between the married couple—but without officially terminating the marriage.

Some couples choose to file for a separate maintenance (legal separation) for religious reasons, to maintain joint health coverage through an employer, or for income tax reasons.

Like a divorce, legal separation/marriage dissolution requires that the couple:

• Divide community property and marital assets
• Maintain separate households
• Reach agreements to the custody and support of any children

Unlike a divorce, however, a legally separated couple is still considered married, and as such, cannot remarry others unless and until they officially dissolve their marriage.

If you need help

It is just as important to have a skilled, experienced family law attorney on your side when filing for a legal separation as it is when filing for a divorce.

Call or click here schedule your free personal consultation with our divorce attorneys, and we'll help you get started getting on with your new life. See also:

• Legal Separation Frequently Asked Questions