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Divorce vs. Separation: Which is Right for You?

If you have started to feel yourself growing away from your spouse and believe the marriage to be irreconcilable, you might consider whether to file for divorce or simply to separate from your spouse.

So which is the right path to take? This entirely depends on your individual circumstances; every relationship is different. Here are a few things to consider.

  • Temporary separation is rarely temporary: When a marriage gets to the point of needing a temporary separation then it is likely the problems in the marriage have already progressed past the point of the parties being able to settle their differences and reconcile.

  • Tackle issues while they’re still small: The best way to avoid a divorce or to make a separation actually temporary is to communicate and address issues while they are still small before they reach a crisis point. Resolving marital distress is critical to the long-term viability of the relationship.

  • There are financial considerations: While it might not be the most important factor to think about, it is still worth mentioning that there may be some financial benefits to separating versus divorcing or vice versa. Perform a cost/benefit analysis of the decision and weigh your findings with the other considerations that will play a role in your decision.

Ultimately, both parties in the marriage must consider how much effort they are willing to put into reconciliation and resolving their differences. For many, it may be that separation is merely delaying the inevitable. There are, however, some circumstances in which time apart may allow matters to cool and give people some new perspective on their relationship.

For more information about the options available to you, contact an experienced Minnesota divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.

Our Attorneys
Client testimonials
  • "Tori had a thorough understanding of my situation and made excellent recommendations to resolve my concerns. She was persistent on communication and handled everything in a very timely manner. I would definitely hire her again in the future if needed." - M.K.

  • "With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.

  • "Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.

  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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