Couples having marital difficulties often say that they are “separated,” which typically means that they are no longer living together and they are either working on solving their problems or are on the road to divorce. Despite the widespread use of the term in Texas, the state does not have “legal separation” and does not honor the term “separated,” especially when it comes to things like property and finances.
Separation vs. Divorce in Texas
Texas only acknowledges “single,” “divorced,” “married,” and “widowed” when it comes to marital statuses. If you are on the road to divorce, then this may not really matter as much to you. However, if you are one of the many couples who aren’t exactly sure what the future will hold for their marriage, then you may need to mull over a number of scenarios that could affect you or your spouse post-separation.
Since you are not divorced, Texas considers you still married. Before you say, “Well, duh,” consider exactly what this means. For instance, spouses are legally responsible for one another’s financial burdens, and being separated does not change this fact.
In addition, any property acquired while separated can be considered part of community property between the spouses, which can definitely change the property division course of the divorce. Our office has handled divorces for folks who had lived separate and apart for years, acquiring and selling property, investing, saving for retirement, and so on, only to be dumbfounded when they found out, during a contested divorce, that all of that property, which was acquired during the marriage, was still considered community property and subject to division by the Court. They were shocked to find out that their “legal separation” had no legal consequences at all in Texas.
Contact Our Denton Divorce Attorneys for Proven Guidance
If you and your spouse are separated or are about to separate, be sure to keep all of these possible consequences in mind. Keep track of which property is community and which property is separate so that neither of you has a surprise after your separation is over, no matter which path you choose. Even if you don’t plan to get a divorce right away, it can be invaluable for you to sit down for a consultation with a good family lawyer. During the consult, you can discuss the consequences of your separation and options, including how to manage your separate and community property and the possibility of entering into some kind of marital property agreement with your spouse, which can, under Texas law, actually alter the character of property acquired during your separation.
Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers via online form or call (940) 293-2313.