What is the difference between a divorce and a legal separation?

A divorce is a legal proceeding which terminates the legal relationship between you and your spouse. That is, a divorce ends the marriage.

A legal separation is procedurally very similar to a divorce. The court can make judgments regarding issues such as child custody and property division just like a divorce, but when it is all said and done you are still married to your spouse.

(Attorney Note: Formal legal separations are relatively rare today but some people still pursue them for religious reasons or as a way to stay on their spouse's health insurance policy.

Many people will say they are legally separated when they are actually going through a divorce. What they really mean is that the court has ordered them not to have contact with one another while the action is pending.)

For more information about legal seperation or divorce in Wisconsin or to schedule an appointment with an experienced divorce lawyer regarding  legal seperation or divorce proceeding in Wisconsin, please contact our Milwaukee divorce lawyers.

John T. Fields & Associates, LLC

740 Pilgrim Pkwy., Suite 100
Elm Grove, WI 53122
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250 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1800
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-771-9500
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• Divorce
• Legal Separation
• Annulments
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Shared Custody
• Changing Custody
• Alimony / Maintenance
• Property Division
• 401(k) Division
• Pension Rights
• High Asset Divorce
• Grandparents' Rights
• Fathers' Rights
• Post-Divorce Issues
• Domestic Violence

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