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Your Gresham/East Portland Attorney for Legal Separation

Filing for separation instead of divorce

Clients sometimes choose to file for Separation instead of Divorce. Reasons for this include wanting to try and keep one spouse on the other spouse’s health insurance plan, religious restrictions, and emotional considerations.

Legal Separation in Gresham

Legal Separation Questions & Answers


What is the difference between divorce and legal separation in Oregon?

In a legal separation, most of the same forms of relief that are available in a divorce may be included in the judgment.  These include property division, support, custody and parenting time. The difference is that you remain married for legal purposes, including rights to inheritance from the other party. A spouse may also have death benefits by virtue of the marital status.

It is possible to convert a separation to divorce, but there are important time limits on this option and other variables to consider. I am an experienced divorce attorney who represents clients in Multnomah and Clackamas counties. Call me to discuss your options regarding separation and divorce.