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	DIVORCE
	LEGAL SEPARATION
	CHILD CUSTODY
	CHILD SUPPORT
	PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDERS
	DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
	PRE & POST NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
	WILLS AND ESTATES

Contact Dan Ambrose directly for fast answers to your Family Law Questions at the Office at (248) 624-5500, or contact Dan at his cell phone at (248) 808-3130. You can also reach Dan by email at daniel@ambroselawgroup.com

Legal Separation

There is no legal term in Michigan law for Legal Separation. The closest legal concept is called "Separate Maintenance". This is different from divorce in that you are not able to marry anyone, since the marriage itself is not affected.

The Reasons for Separate Maintenance instead of Divorce


	Religious Reasons
	People might be excommunicated from their churches if they divorce, or their clergy might advise against a legal divorce for other reasons.

	Health Care
	One spouse might still need medical coverage under the other spouse’s plan. This is a way to keep the coverage while trying to start different Note: Employers may still attempt to cut benefits for the other spouse if there is a separation.

	Leaving the Door Open
	Some couples want to leave open the opportunity to continue their marriage if the circumstances do change for the better.

	Setting Boundaries
	Rather than just agreeing to live separate lives in the same home, this is a formal way to establish the boundaries of separated lives.

	Tax Purposes
	Some spouses want the deductibility of spousal support payments.

HOW IS IT SIMILAR TO DIVORCE?

There are still determinations made as to the division of property, child custody, and child support.

Many attorneys do not recommend filing for Legal Separation because almost all people who legally separated will later file for divorce. If you have to file for divorce later, you will have to pay more in attorney’s fees and re-pay the court costs to file

A LEGAL SEPARATION IS NOT A RESTRAINING ORDER!

IF YOU NEED PROTECTION FROM YOUR SPOUSE, YOU NEED TO PETITION FOR A PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDER.



		Parenting Time
		Spousal Support
		Property Division
		Paternity
		Keep Attorney Fees Low
		Moving (Change of Domicile)
		Felony Non Support

	The Ambrose Law Group is comprised of trial lawyers who specialize in Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Bankruptcy, Family Law, Civil Litigation, CPS Defense, Juvenile Law, and Estates and Trusts. We represent clients in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Livingston, Lapeer, Genesee, and Washtenaw Counties.
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