What is the difference between dissolution, legal separation and annulment?
The procedure followed to obtain a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage (divorce) and a Judgment for Legal Separation is, for the most part, identical. In both instances the court will rule on issues such as custody and visitation, child and spousal support and property division. The difference between a Dissolution and a Legal Separation is that a Judgment for Dissolution terminates the marital relationship and a Judgment for Legal Separation does not. After obtaining a Judgment for Legal Separation, even though the issues have all been settled by the Court or by agreement between you and your spouse, you are still married. Why then would a person petition the court for a Judgment for Legal Separation? Legal separations are often requested when a party is not sure that the marital bond is irretrievably broken, but nonetheless, wants to resolve issues pertaining to custody, support and property division. Legal separations may be requested for religious reasons. In many cases a legal se
