What is the difference between a legal separation and dissolution of marriage?
The proceedings for a legal separation are very similar to a dissolution of marriage. The primary difference is that the parties remain married at the end of a legal separation proceeding and, therefore, cannot legally remarry without dissolving their marriage. Other than that, the same issues need to be decided: spousal maintenance, property division, parenting, and child support. Although legal separations can be converted to dissolutions of marriage after six months (in Washington), legal separations are usually not recommended unless there are strong religious or moral objections to dissolution of marriage, or there are special issues such as the need to maintain medical coverage.
