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We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Bel Air, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Brentwood, providing a balance of compassionate sensitivity and assertive legal advocacy.
Legal separation is a judicially recognized status that allows a couple to remain legally married while living apart under a court-sanctioned agreement. Unlike a divorce, a legal separation does not end the marriage; however, it addresses all the same issues as a dissolution, including:
Choosing this path requires a strategic approach to ensure that your immediate needs are met while maintaining the long-term stability of your estate. By formalizing these arrangements through a court judgment, you create an enforceable framework that provides clarity and protection for both parties as they navigate separate lives.
Couples living in Beverly Hills and surrounding areas often seek the route of legal separation for strategic reasons:
This option serves as a proactive tool for couples who need space and legal boundaries but are not ready to close the door on their marriage permanently. It allows for the same rigorous protection of your financial interests as a divorce while keeping the legal pathway open for future reconciliation.
When navigating a split in a high-asset environment, the caliber of your Beverly Hills legal separation attorney is paramount.
We’re committed to preserving your dignity and financial health throughout the separation process. We work diligently to ensure that every agreement we draft is both comprehensive and resilient, providing you with the security to move forward with confidence.
Navigating a major marital transition can be stressful, but you do not have to walk that path alone. Engaging a specialized family law firm can streamline the legal process, providing much-needed clarity for you and your family during a time of significant change.
For premier guidance on legal separation, contact our Beverly Hills legal separation attorneys to schedule a comprehensive consultation. We represent clients with discretion and excellence across Southern California and the surrounding Los Angeles communities. Contact us today at 310-340-1846 or fill out our online form to get started.
"I was seeking a reputable family law firm for my prenuptial agreement and received high praise for the Schoenberg Law Group. My attorney listened to my questions and responded to them very patiently. She also paid close attention all my concerns and made sure I was aware of the legal value of the agreement I was about to sign. It was…”
D.R.“It has been a real blessing to find this family law group in my life. I was in the middle of a custody battle with my ex wife and had a lawyer who had sided with my ex wife’s lawyer. I was faced with the option of paying to a regular lawyer to do half jobs with no results or to invest a bit more for a top family counselor who understood my situation and at the same time not giving me false hopes."
A.L."I hesitated filing papers for a long time because I was not sure if I could survive a long legal battle. When we were married, my husband worked while I raised the children, two under four years old, and I was afraid I would lose the stability they needed. I had a wonderful group of friends that helped me search for a reputable law firm that could represent me when my focus was on my children. They found the"
L.A.We are trial lawyers who litigate high-conflict, high-stakes cases. While we try to build on mediation efforts and exhaust opportunities for a negotiated agreement, emotions, egos and various other realities often force these disputes into court. It is critical to work with a firm that knows how to apply the law and the facts in your favor, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.
One of California’s Top Family Lawyers for five consecutive years: 2022–2026
SFLG Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California for six consecutive years: 2021 - 2026
One of the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times
Debra Schoenberg was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
Designated as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization
Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA)
“My goal is to preserve your dignity and your humanity throughout what can be a very difficult and painful process, while at the same time achieving a favorable outcome on your behalf.”
Over 400 Years of Collective Family Law Experience
Debra R. Schoenberg
Owner & Founder
Lily Huang
Senior Associate
Kimia Kojouri
Associate
Miho Takarada
Senior Counsel
Yes. If you decide later that you want to formally end the marriage, you can petition the court to "amend" your legal separation into a dissolution. An experienced Beverly Hills legal separation attorney can guide you through this transition.
No. Because a legal separation does not dissolve the marriage, you are still legally married in the eyes of the law and cannot enter into a new marriage until you obtain a final judgment of divorce.
Once a judgment of legal separation is entered, debts incurred by one spouse are typically their sole responsibility. However, it is vital to have a clear, court-ordered agreement to prevent "creditor confusion" and protect your credit score.
Living apart has no legal standing regarding your assets or debts. A legal separation involves a court judgment that creates enforceable orders for support, custody, and property division, providing a level of security that an informal split does not.
Legally separated spouses can still file joint tax returns, which may offer significant savings. You should consult with both your attorney and a tax professional to determine the best strategy for your specific situation.
Often, yes. Because there is no six-month waiting period required for a final judgment, a legal separation can be finalized as soon as the parties reach an agreement on all terms.
While rare, it is possible if the parties can demonstrate they are living separate lives.
In California, if you file for a legal separation and your spouse files for a divorce, the court will grant the divorce. Both parties must agree to the "separation" status for it to remain a legal separation.
Some insurance providers allow a spouse to remain on a policy during a legal separation because the couple is still married. However, you must check the specific language of your insurance contract, as some policies treat legal separation the same as divorce.
The legal standards for children are identical in both legal separation and divorce. The court utilizes the "best interests of the child" standard to determine custody and visitation schedules. Similarly, child support is calculated using the same California statewide guideline formula.
