Why Request a Separate Maintenance Action? How to Get a Separate Maintenance Decree Informal Separation Pros and Cons of Legal Separations How Much Does it Cost to File for Legal Separation?
Technically, there is no such thing as a legal separation in GA. However, you can file for a separate maintenance action, defined as a judicial determination to separate spouses and provide support without a judicial termination of the marriage.
Why Would You Request a Separate Maintenance Action?
Child Custody
The court makes the same decisions about child support, child custody, and alimony as in a divorce.
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Divorce Process
You and your spouse are legally separated but not divorced.
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Divorce Alternatives
You and your spouse are still technically married but not responsible for one another.
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How to Get a Separate Maintenance Decree in Georgia
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Separate Maintenance Decree Definition & Criteria
A separate maintenance decree or agreement accomplishes many of the same things that divorce accomplishes, but allows the two spouses to live apart and still remain married. It essentially acts as a Legal Separation, although it is not referred to as that.
You can settle child custody, child support, alimony, property division, and more—all with a separate maintenance decree while avoiding divorce. A separate maintenance agreement allows spouses to maintain health insurance benefits, enjoy tax breaks, pool their money, and more. Another benefit of separate maintenance decrees is time. Under Georgia code 19-5-3, divorce proceedings cannot begin until a 30-day “cooling off” period has concluded. This waiting period does not apply for a separate maintenance action, which, in addition, may take less time overall.
Under O.C.G.A. 19-6-10 (2010), the following are necessities for a separate maintenance decree in Georgia:
- A marriage must exist between the two parties
- The parties must be living separately;
- There is no pending action for divorce.
How to File for Legal Separation in Georgia
Now that you know what a separate maintenance decree is, you need to know how to file and prepare for it. Just because a separate maintenance agreement is not a divorce, does not mean that it will be simple. Separate maintenance agreements are often complicated, spouses may not be quite as agreeable as they initially thought they would be, and all documentation needs to be legally binding and in perfect order to present to the court. Working with an attorney is highly recommended over the do-it-yourself online version.
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Informal Separation
What is an Informal Separation Agreement or Postnuptial Agreement?
Informal separation or postnuptial agreements in Georgia, while not recognized by the state as a legal separation, may be a good option for couples who wish to continue receiving the legal and financial benefits of marriage without living together.
According to Psychology Today, a temporary separation may even make a struggling relationship stronger in the long run.
During an informal separation, some couples may pursue a divorce, child custody, or related goal, while others may wish to simply remain separated. Typically, couples without large shared assets or children, as well as situations where neither spouse requires financial support from the other, are best suited for informal separation.
Benefits of Informal Separation
Saving the relationship during the trial separation period
Maintaining healthcare benefits
Maximizing the tax-savings benefits by filing jointly
Helping to secure loans and mortgages
Securing Social Security benefits
Maintaining certain military benefits
Upholding cultural or religious beliefs
If the legal separation is intended to be permanent or long-term, the arrangement will work best between couples who have ended the relationship amicably. Couples whose relationship is highly volatile may not benefit from an informal agreement. However, the above benefits may provide an incentive to utilize an informal separation agreement.
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Pros and Cons of Legal Separations
While legal separation is not specifically recognized in the state of Georgia, a separate maintenance action may be what you are looking for, as this is Georgia’s closest equivalent. A separate maintenance action allows the couple to remain married, erases any responsibility that each spouse has for the other, and also provides important legal decisions regarding the following:
- Child support
- Child custody and visitation Alimony
- Marital property division, including debts
- Possible settlement
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How Much Does it Cost to File for Legal Separation?
There are many benefits to a separate maintenance action over divorce. The cost of a separate maintenance action will depend on whether or not the parties agree to the terms, just like a divorce action.
However, in a divorce action, it is likely that the parties will be more contentious and that will likely cause the costs to escalate. Whether you are low-, middle-, or high-income, there are many other benefits of filing for a separate maintenance action, including the following.
Maintaining benefits of marriage
Marriage comes with a number of financial benefits, such as tax savings, medical coverage under a spouse’s employee insurance plan, and more.
You have not been a state resident for very long
Under Georgia code 19-5-2, the residency requirement for filing for divorce is six months. If you have not been a resident for at least six months, you may not divorce. However, no residency minimum time limit is set for separate maintenance agreements.
Religious or cultural beliefs
Many people cannot get a divorce without violating their religious or cultural beliefs, or harming their relationship with their community or family.
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Interested in learning more? Schedule a consultation with one of our qualified divorce attorneys today!
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Additional Legal Separation Resources
30 Jan, 2024
How a Legal Separation Attorney Can Help Facilitate a Birdnesting Arrangement
by Stearns Montgomery and Proctor
in Child Custody
In legal separation and divorce, the well-being of children often becomes a central point of discussion. Balancing co-parenting and ensuring stability for children during separation is a challenging task and a legal separation attorney can help you navigate these waters successfully. A novel approach called birdnesting has emerged to address…
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28 Jun, 2023
Legal Separation vs Divorce: Understanding the Pros and Cons and Best Scenarios For Your Situation
by Stearns Montgomery and Proctor
in Divorce
If you live in Georgia and are considering ending your marriage, you should know your options. Divorce isn’t as simple as signing a few papers. In fact, Georgia law dictates that you must live in a legal, bona fide state of separation before you can file for divorce. Understanding the…
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23 Jul, 2018
Legal Separation vs. Divorce
by Tracy Crider
in Divorce
What are your goals in seeking a divorce? What are your reservations about going through the process? Depending on your answers to these questions, it may be worth considering what is known as a “legal separation” through a petition for separate maintenance. (Note: Georgia does not use the term legal…
Read More...
