West Palm Beach Legal Separation Attorney
Separate Your Finances & Custody Matters Without Divorce
Separating from your spouse does not mean you want to divorce. Rather, you may want to legally separate in order to preserve your marriage and protect your assets while you work to resolve your differences.
Attorney Eric Cheshire can help you create a plan to legally separate your finances and custody matters in order to protect your rights and assets. As an experienced family lawyer in Palm Beach County, he has successfully helped many clients navigate the legal requirements of a legal separation and successfully resolve their divorce cases.
During your initial consultation, Attorney Cheshire will discuss your legal options, review your case, and help you determine if a legal separation is right for you. He will work with you to create a plan that protects your rights and assets, while working toward resolving your differences.
Request a consultation contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. today to discuss your legal options.
What Is a Legal Separation in Florida?
In Florida, a legal separation is a court order that legally separates spouses, but does not end their marriage. A legal separation does not end a couple's responsibilities to one another, such as the obligation to financially support the other spouse. It does allow the parties to legally separate and live apart while they work out their differences.
A legal separation can protect the legal rights and assets of the parties, while they separate their physical lives. It can also protect the parties' children. A legal separation agreement can provide for visitation and custody of the children, just as a divorce decree would.
A legal separation does not dissolve the marriage, and the parties are still legally married. However, the parties are no longer obligated to live together as husband and wife, and can lead separate lives under the protection of a court order.
Benefits of Choosing Legal Separation Over Divorce
In Florida, a couple can choose either a divorce or a legal separation. The most significant benefit of a legal separation is that it allows the parties to protect certain rights and assets while they work out their differences.
For example, the parties can continue to share a mortgage and insurance policy until they reach an agreement. The parties can also continue to share joint custody of a child while they work on resolving their differences. This can be particularly beneficial in cases where one parent wishes to move out of the marital home, but wants to continue sharing custody of a child with the other parent.
What Our Clients Have to Say
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"You can too trust him!"I am using Eric for the second time, he saved this child the first time when she needed it the most. I know God’s will placed him in my life and when an incident came up again I didn’t hesitate to call Eric Cheshire. He is a Godly Man that gets at the truth to help in the best way he can with the will of God. I trust him with the most precious gift God gave me, you can too trust him.- Former Client
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"A true gentleman and professional!"As a woman of God, I would never have dreamt I needed Eric and his firm’s services. Fortunately, it was one of my better decisions. For his professionalism and kind heart made me feel that I was not in this alone. He was walking with me during the entire ordeal and I am very blessed to have a Christian man such as himself to guide me and explain everything to me. A true gentleman and professional! Thanks Eric!- Former Client
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"He genuinely cares!"Mr. Cheshire is one of the good guys. He genuinely cares about his clients and what is important to them.- Former Client
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"I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate."As you might imagine this was a difficult time in my life. I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate to help me through my divorce.- Former Client
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"Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs"I’ve used Eric Cheshire, PA over the years for my divorce and he handled it in an understanding but prompt manner. I’ve recommended him to other family and friends and they’ve been elated with his representation also. Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs.- Former Client
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"Great Service!"Great Service! He was kind, understanding and easy to work with.- Former Client
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"Eric fought for our family to be together."Very nice and helpful. Give my husband his legal rights as a father to be able to see his son. Eric fought for our family to be together and he always checked in with us to see how things were going. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer and family man. He loves his family and he loves his clients too.- Former Client
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"Very grateful!"Atty Cheshire reviewed the case carefully with my daughter and communicated with other lawyers in Missouri where she lives. We spoke with him to give other pertinent info and he kept us posted. He spent we suppose several hours on her case which helped prevent some financial pitfalls on her part. My daughter and us parents are very grateful for his foresight and timely advice. We highly recommend Atty Cheshire. (Reviewed from a potential client who consulted with Attorney Cheshire).- Former Client
Requirements for Legal Separation in Florida
In order to obtain a legal separation in Florida, the couple must meet the following requirements:
- The couple must be legally married
- They must have a controversy (a disagreement or marital problem) that requires a court order for resolution
If the couple meets these requirements, they can file a petition for legal separation in a county court in the state of Florida. The petition must include the following:
- The legal grounds for the separation (e.g., one spouse's fault for the breakdown of the marriage) if the couple disagrees on those grounds
- A statement that the couple agrees that they are separating and will live separate lives
- A statement that the couple agrees that they will not resume cohabitation (living together) while the petition is pending
If the petition meets these requirements, the court will issue a summons to the petitioning spouse and a notice to the responding spouse. The petitioning spouse must serve the responding spouse with a copy of the petition at least 14 days before the hearing.
Get Legal Help from Our Palm Beach County Legal Separation Attorney
If you are considering a legal separation or are in the process of obtaining one, it is important that you consult with a qualified Florida family lawyer. Attorney Eric Cheshire is experienced in helping clients obtain legal separations, and can help you navigate the requirements of a legal separation and obtain a court order. He will work with you to create a plan that protects your rights and assets, while working toward resolving your differences.
To schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. contact us online to discuss your legal options.