Legal Separation

Legal Separation

The dissolution of a marital relationship can be one of the most difficult and emotionally trying times in a person’s life. The legal, personal, and practical implications of the end of a marital relationship can have far-reaching and significant effects. While some couples choose to divorce, other couples may choose legal separation instead.

Regardless of whether a couple chooses divorce or legal separation, the knowledgeable divorce and family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Miriam Cooper are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of our clients and minimizing the negative impacts on the family. With offices located in Rolling Meadows, we represent clients throughout Chicago, the Northwest suburbs and DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry Counties with a variety of family law and real estate legal matters. Contact our office at 847-995-8800 to learn more about legal separation options.

How is Legal Separation Different from Divorce?

Legal separation is sometimes preferable to divorce for religious, financial, or personal reasons. In some cases, spouses want the dissolution of their relationship to have legal effect without impacting health insurance, government benefits or taxes. In these situations, legal separation may be the appropriate option.

Under Illinois law, a legal separation functions much like a divorce with the court approving or determining issues related to child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal maintenance. Unlike a divorce, however, the court may not divide property and assets, unless the parties otherwise agree to a property division.

Trusted Legal Advice

At the Law Offices of Miriam Cooper, our Illinois divorce and family law attorneys understand that the decision to separate – whether by divorce or legal separation – is not one that is entered into lightly. If you are considering divorce or legal separation, we will take the time to listen to your concerns and educate you on the various options, including legal separation, divorce, and collaborative divorce.

Once you have made a decision on how to proceed, we will advocate on your behalf with respect to child custody, visitation, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division (if applicable). We strive to protect our clients’ interests and minimize combative negotiations and needless expense. We focus on the facts in an attempt to obtain the most favorable outcome for our clients. As trusted family attorneys, we provide clients with practical advice with thoughtful consideration to the legal issues involved and the individual needs of the client. We are well-respected members of the Chicago area legal community, and we are well-equipped to successfully advocate on our clients’ behalf.

With an office located in Illinois, the Law Offices of Miriam Cooper represents clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Cook, Will, Lake, McHenry and DuPage Counties. We are devoted to providing top-notch legal representation to our clients regardless of the complexity of the legal issue or the location of the client.

Contact the Law Offices of Miriam Cooper at 847-995-8800 today to schedule your free consultation to discuss legal separation options.