Los Angeles Divorce Attorneys/Lawyers Family Law Attorney Beverly Hills

Legal Separation - This action can be filed by a married person who wishes to maintain
the marital status but separate and resolve all of other issues of the marriage. The Court
will issue orders for custody and visitation of the minor children of the marriage, child
support, spousal support, and confirm or award community and separate property assets
and debts. If the other party, Respondent, responds to the paperwork and requests a
dissolution of marriage, the Court will grant the dissolution of marriage.

Once an action is filed by a Petitioner, the Respondent must be personally served with
specific paperwork. If the Respondent fails to file the necessary responding paperwork
within thirty (30) days of service, the Petitioner may request an entry of default. Once the
default is entered, the Petitioner can complete the legal separation proceeding without the
participation of the Respondent.

If the Respondent files the necessary responding paperwork, the case will then proceed as
either a contested matter or an uncontested matter. The action is considered contested if
the parties are unable to agree on some or all issues and the unresolved issues must be
resolved by the Court. The action is considered uncontested if the parties are able to
cooperate and agree on all issues outside of Court and the matter can proceed to its
conclusion by submitting the necessary signed paperwork for the Court's signature.

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