Only you and your spouse can decide whether to end your marriage. However, once you have decided this, you have more than one option. In the family law context in Bellevue, marriage separation can have two meanings. On the one hand Bellevue marriage separation includes circumstances where husband and wife have begun living apart but no legal provisions have been made. On the other hand, Bellevue marriage separation can refer to an action for a decree of legal separation in lieu of divorce.

Bellevue marriage separation actions can be useful to parties who wish to live apart but do not wish to get divorced. At the conclusion of a Bellevue legal separation case the court will enter a decree of legal separation which spells out the ownership and use of property, spousal maintenance to be paid, and the custody and support of any children. Six months after the entry of a Bellevue marriage separation decree, either party may motion the court to convert that decree into a decree of dissolution, thereby finalizing a divorce. This option allows each party to retain control over their marital status and not be subject to a one-sided Bellevue marriage separation decree.

Other reasons spouses may elect for a Bellevue marriage separation action instead of divorce include complying with insurance or pension provisions, religious reasons, or just to give a shaky marriage some time. Whatever your circumstances, you might consider discussing your case with an attorney who practices Bellevue marriage separation actions and decide if the option is right for you.

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