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Legal Separation

What is a Legal Separation? Unhappy Couple

Many people ask what the difference between a legal separation and a divorce is. The main difference is that after a legal separation, you remain married. When you file a legal separation with the superior court in Washington state, you go through the same process as a divorce. This includes spousal support (alimony), division of property and debt, parenting plan, child support, attorney fees etc. The court may issue temporary orders pending agreement or trial. The difference is that at the end of the case, you are still legally married. After a legal separation order is entered by the court and six months have passed, either you or your spouse can file a motion and ask the court to convert the legal separation into a final divorce order.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Mr Yetter was hired specifically to represent me in a contentious divorce with parenting plan/support complexities. During our consultation appointment, he listened intently with compassion. Asked thoughtful, pertinent questions and laid out a progression plan. There were multiple court, mediation appointments. He was always present and prepared. No litigation is easy, but I've found his willingness to be flexible and pivot quickly under time constraints to be a reassuring quality." Melanie
★★★★★
"I hired Mr. Yetter, in a tough time in my life. He was both understanding and knowledgeable. I would use him again in a heartbeat." Donald
★★★★★
"Matt Yetter expertly and with sensitivity helped me prepare for and surmount a challenging divorce, where I initially felt overwhelmed and outgunned. Matt was patient and empathic, assisting me to establish and maintain goals that served my best interests and that were ethical to both parties. Despite my presenting challenges as a client (strongly felt emotions and ambivalence), Matt deftly and compassionately guided me through legal, situational and personal steps to achieve all desired ends to my satisfaction." John