St. Louis Legal Separation Attorneys

When a marriage begins to unravel, the parties may wish to separate, not with the intention of ending the marriage, but rather in the hope that the separation will give the parties time to repair the relationship and restore the marriage. In such a situation, the parties should take steps to protect themselves through the legal process. If no one files a Petition for Legal Separation with the court, the parties would be left to themselves to decide custody issues, handle property matters and contend with support, and this type of process easily can leave one party, even both parties, treated unfairly and ruining any chance of restoring the marriage. Bringing the court into the process through a legal separation helps to protect both parties and the children and create the breathing space necessary to give healing a chance to work.

When parties begin a legal separation, one or both parties may need to request temporary relief from the court until the final dissolution of the marriage – how will custody of the children be handled? Who will have possession of the marital home? Who will pay for all the monthly expenses and support the children? How will property be safeguarded so one spouse does not deplete marital assets? These issues are resolved through a motion pendente lite, or PDL motion.

Also, parties will engage in discovery to be sure of the facts, to see if one party might be hiding information from the other. Depositions – testimony given outside of court but under oath – may be taken.

Eventually, the parties will reach a resolution of the issues and reduce them to a Marital Separation Agreement, or they will require a trial where each side will present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and the judge will decide all of the disputed issues.

Once the trial court grants a legal separation, if one or both of the parties find that later the marriage cannot be saved, one or both of the parties can ask the court to convert the judgment of legal separation into a judgment of dissolution of marriage.

To proceed through this legal maze, you will need a skilled and experienced divorce attorney to represent and assert your interests, provide you with critical advice, evaluate the merits of the case and present you with possible outcomes relating to custody, property and support

At The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C, we have over fifty years of combined experience handling legal separations. We help individuals understand their rights with regard to all issues, including child custody, child support, spousal support and division of property. We do all required discovery, draft marital settlement agreements and try your case before the judge if we cannot reach a settlement.  We have handled hundreds of trials before family court judges; if you choose The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C., you will have the benefit of an attorney unafraid to go to court, advocate on your behalf and fully present your case.

Time to Act

Time is of the essence. As soon as you select The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. to represent you, we will immediately put our considerable experience and resources to work on your case. The sooner we can review the necessary information, the sooner we can formulate a strategy for your unique circumstances, helping to insure the best possible outcome.

Your future is at stake. Make the right call and contact us today at (314) 993-6300. There is no charge for the initial consultation – and the only obligation you have is the one you have to yourself to gain the best representation possible.

Contact The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C.

For an initial consultation with an experienced family law attorney, contact us at our office at 314-993-6300. We will set up a telephone consultation, if necessary, and will meet with you on Saturday upon request. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are welcome.