The Ins-and-Outs of Legal Separation in California

Unbeknownst to a significant number of residents living in the Golden State, filing for legal separation is similar to the divorce process, the primary difference being that the parties’ marital status does not end upon division of marital assets and debts. Put succinctly, the “legal separation” process in California allows couples to lead separate lives, though the marital status isn’t eradicated; the petitioner must file a petition for legal separation, and the respondent must file a response – or the matter proceeds by default. What’s more, both parties must exchange disclosures, which are considered mandatory, and the same process applies...