Separation vs. Divorce: key differences When the couple want to dissolve a marriage, they often look for legal help from the family law solicitor before ending the relationship. However, divorce is usually the next step in these situations. Certain legal differences between separation and divorce are significant for both spouses to understand if they are seeking to engage in one of these processes. Legal Separation When both parties are unable to continue their marriage, they choose to separate before ending the relationship legally. In this case, they generally engage a family law solicitor who helps them to file their case in the court. However, a legal separation can only take place in the courtroom before a judge. The judge makes sure that the entire matter is legally carried out before any further action taken by either party. The separation between the couple usually divides the households into two different locations and even separates income and their property. However, it does not mean their marriage is ended unless the divorce is final. Legal Divorce When a couple has decided to end their marriage because of a conflict or differences, they choose to divorce legally. In case, if one moves out of state, the couple will need to decide in which state they want to get divorced. To start the process, they require a family law solicitor, the divorce petition documents and a plan of action. However, if children, assets, debts, and property are involved, the process can take some time to conclude. By hiring the best family law solicitor in Galway, you will get to know what to do next. The Key Difference The critical difference between a legal separation and legal divorce is that a couple is still legally married when they proceed through separation. No matter if they live in different households, different cities or states, and share custody, they still abide by the law in marriage. A divorce is the end of the marriage when the relationship dissolves legally whenever the process concludes. In a case of a legal separation, the two share a connection because the court wants to provide them a certain time to go through and then file for a divorce. However, the separation is not until the end of the divorce process when the couple is no longer married. Summary Consider these fundamental differences between a legal separation and a divorce, and get in touch with the best family law solicitor in Galway at Legal Index Ireland. We are listed with around 2000+ solicitors in every legal category.