SEPERATION
Seperation Agreements

Although the phrase is frequently used, there is no such thing as a
legal separation in Texas. Either people are married or they are not.
However, there is a legal way to live apart from your spouse. The
legal method is to obtain a temporary order from the court which can
usually be obtained within 30 days of the initial filing. At my Houston
law office, I work with people at all stages of their married lives to
make sure that they know their options and that they know how to
protect their rights when they live separately from a spouse.

To learn about separating from your spouse, contact me at the
Houston law office of Frank E. Mann, Attorney and Counselor at Law.
Call (713) 524-6868.

People usually consult me when they begin the divorce process or
when they wish to stay married but live apart. I am very
knowledgeable about both types of separations, and get people set
up so there will not be surprises later on. Educating people about their
situations and their possibilities is a hallmark of my law office; it
applies to separations and all aspects of my family law practice.

Separation during the divorce process

Unless the divorce will be completed very quickly, it is critical to have
a lawyer obtain temporary orders for child support, child custody,
spousal support, and visitation. These orders, if approved by the
divorce court judge, will be in force until the court issues a final order
of divorce. The temporary orders are operational before a final order is
issued.

Temporary orders may become permanent

Judges are inclined to review the success of temporary orders and
apply them to the final decree. This is especially true for orders
involving child custody and visitation, as the court is interested in the
best interests of the child, and does not want to disrupt a child's life
unduly. Thus, having temporary orders that meet your needs during
the divorce is important. They may continue to apply as a final order
after you are no longer married.

Separation when you can no longer live together

Some people find they can no longer live together as husband and
wife, but do not wish to get divorced. The reasons for this vary, but
they are usually based in the belief that divorce is wrong in their
religious tradition. In circumstances like this, I prepare temporary
maintenance orders dealing with child support, child custody, and
alimony. When the parties agree on the details, the court will approve
these orders, which will remain in force until the parties modify them
or the orders expire.

Trial separations

Couples sometimes view this as a trial separation period for a divorce,
separating to find out whether this is what they really want. They
proceed to divorce or reconciliation after the trial separation period.
Even if they intend the trial period to be short, it is important that
they obtain orders about maintenance, custody, and support to
protect themselves.

For more information about separations, contact my Houston law
office. Call me at Frank E. Mann, Attorney and Counselor at Law.

A Houston family law attorney serving south east Texas  communities such as Sugar Land, Katy, Conroe, Richmond,
Rosenberg, Bellaire,  Angleton, Texas City, Pearland, Pasadena, Deer Park, League City, The  Woodlands, Kingwood,
Channelview, La Porte, Alvin, Missouri City, Friendswood,  Lake Jackson, Baytown, and Clear Lake

Harris County - Fort Bend   County - Montgomery   County - Brazoria   County

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