Legal Separation Instead of Divorce?
From what I understand, in CA divorce and legal separation are pretty much the same except when it’s over neither party can remarry because the two are technically still married to each other. All the same issues of property division, support and custody are dealt with. If either one decides they want a divorce later, it’s a simple matter of filing the forms and waiting 6 months since all the issues have already been settled in the legal separation. (I’m sure spaznskitz will correct me if I’m wrong.) Pro #1: Soften the blow/keep the stbx from freaking out too badly My stbx grew up with domestic violence. To his credit, he vowed not to be like his former step dad and has never actually raised a hand to the kids or me. However he has demonstrated other behavior that psychologists classify as abusive: extremely jealous, possessive, controlling, unrealistic expectations and other things. I’m afraid my leaving him will push him over the edge. Any time I start to get through to him on how un
