Separating and Getting Divorced: Difference between revisions
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A couple ''separates'' when one or both spouses decide that their relationship is over and then take steps to <span class="noglossary">act</span> on that <span class="noglossary">decision</span>. When an unmarried couple separates, their relationship is over. The relationship of married spouses, on the other hand, isn't legally over until they are divorced or their marriage is annulled. | A couple ''separates'' when one or both spouses decide that their relationship is over and then take steps to <span class="noglossary">act</span> on that <span class="noglossary">decision</span>. When an unmarried couple separates, their relationship is over. The relationship of married spouses, on the other hand, isn't legally over until they are divorced or their marriage is annulled. | ||
This | This chapter begins by taking a quick look at separation and divorce, both of which are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow. It also looks at a few urban myths about separation and divorce. Everything in this chapter applies to same-sex couples just as it does to opposite-sex couples. | ||
The do-it-yourself divorce process is reviewed in a fair amount of detail in the [[Divorce]] section at the end of this chapter. | The do-it-yourself divorce process is reviewed in a fair amount of detail in the [[Divorce]] section at the end of this chapter. | ||
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The rules about separation and divorce are fairly straightforward, despite some common misunderstandings. | The rules about separation and divorce are fairly straightforward, despite some common misunderstandings. | ||
Separation simply means making the decision that a relationship has broken down. You don't have to move out to separate. You just have to tell your spouse that things have come to an end and that you'd like to end the relationship, and then act on that decision. | Separation simply means making the <span class="noglossary">decision</span> that a relationship has broken down. You don't have to move out to separate. You just have to tell your spouse that things have come to an end and that you'd like to end the relationship, and then act on that decision. | ||
Divorce is the legal termination of a married relationship. A divorce requires an order of the court ending the marriage. A couple who have been separated for a dozen years are still married, and they'll remain married until they get a court order for their divorce. Unmarried spouses do not need to get divorced; their relationships are over when they separate. Unmarried spouses don't need to get divorced; their relationships are over when they separate. | Divorce is the legal termination of a married relationship. A divorce requires an order of the court ending the marriage. A couple who have been separated for a dozen years are still married, and they'll remain married until they get a court order for their divorce. Unmarried spouses do not need to get divorced; their relationships are over when they separate. Unmarried spouses don't need to get divorced; their relationships are over when they separate. | ||
