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Copy of Marriage License Connecticut

Copy of Marriage License Connecticut

 

Getting a Copy of a Marriage License in Connecticut

 

No matter why you need a copy of a marriage license in CT, the records are relatively easy to obtain.  In fact, there are several ways to order a copy of a marriage license in Connecticut, and multiple places to order any marriage license from.  This guide will explain how to obtain a copy of a marriage license in CT whether you need the copy for research, identification, or are just getting your marriage license for the first time.

 

Who Can Get a Copy of a Marriage License in Connecticut?

 

If you are getting married in Connecticut, you will need several things before your copy of a marriage license in CT will be approved and signed off on by the vital records department.  You must get your initial copy of a marriage license in Connecticut from the vital records office of the city or town where you plan to hold your wedding.  Your copy of a marriage certificate in Connecticut will only be valid for a wedding held in that city or town.

 

If you are seeking out a copy of a marriage license in CT for your records or as identity documentation, or if you're conducting geneological or historical research, Connecticut makes it quite easy to obtain these records.  Any person over the age of 18 may obtain a copy of a marriage license in Connecticut, whether or not they have any personal or legal relationship with the couple named in the marriage license.

 

Getting an Initial Copy of a Marriage License in Connecticut

 

When you initially apply for your copy of a marriage license in CT, you will need to fill out an application and sign a sworn affidavit that all information in the application is true to the best of your knowledge.  You will need to present valid identification in order to obtain a copy of a marriage license in Connecticut, but the state no longer requires marrying couples to have results of sexually transmitted infection blood tests before they can obtain their license.

 

If you are trying to get your initial copy of a marriage license in CT and are under 18, you will need your parents' permission.  If you are under 16, parental permission is insufficient to get a copy of a marriage license in Connecticut and you will need the written authorization of a judge.

 

Getting a Duplicate Copy of a Marriage License in Connecticut

 

Once you have gotten married, you may want a copy of a marriage license in CT to be able to show a government agency, or to your employer for insurance purposes.  It is quite simple to obtain a duplicate copy of a marriage license in Connecticut.  You may choose to order your copy of a marriage license in CT from the town or city where the marriage was held, or from the state Vital Records Office.

 

While the Vital Records office will have a copy of a marriage license in Connecticut, you will not be able to pay with a debit or credit card if you go through this office.  The only credit card processing offered for people seeking a copy of a marriage license in CT is offered through vitalchek.com, which allows telephone and internet orders of vital records.

Marriage Certificate Connecticut

Marriage Certificate Connecticut

 

Guide to Getting a Marriage Certificate in Connecticut

 

Whether you're getting married and need your first marriage certificate in CT or need a duplicate copy for your records, it can be hard to know where to look.  This guide will help you obtain a marriage certificate in Connecticut, even if you just need a record for historical or geneological research.  It is substantially easier to obtain a marriage certificate in CT than in some other states, because the state maintains all marriage records with the Department of Vital Records.

 

Who Can Get a Marriage Certificate in Connecticut?

 

Every marriage certificate in CT is considered a public record and is available for public access.  Anyone over the age of 18 may order a copy of any marriage certificate in Connecticut.  This makes it much easier to do research than in states that only allow marriage records to be released to certain people (usually attorneys and relatives of the couple, as well as the couple themselves).

 

In order to be eligible for an initial marriage certificate in CT, you and your spouse will both need to be 18 years old or older.  Minors may obtain a marriage certificate in Connecticut with permission of their parents if they are 16 or older, but only with the permission of a judge if they are under 16.

 

Getting an Initial Marriage Certificate in CT

 

In order to obtain your initial marriage certificate in Connecticut, you and your future spouse need to appear in person at the vital records office for the municipality where you plan to have your wedding ceremony.  You will need to provide satisfactory photo identification in order to obtain your marriage certificate in CT, but the state no longer requires a blood test for sexually transmitted infections in order to marry.

 

You will also need to fill out an application for your marriage certificate in Connecticut.  You will only be able to hold your wedding ceremony after your certificate has been approved by your vital records office and your identification has been checked.

 

Getting a Duplicate Marriage Certificate in Connecticut

 

If you want to change your name on your identification documents or just want a copy of a marriage certificate in CT for your own records, you may request a certified copy from the state's Vital Records Department.  You may also request a copy of a marriage certificate in Connecticut from the city or town where you had your wedding ceremony.  

 

Your request for a marriage certificate in CT may take six weeks to fulfill if you order by mail, but for an extra fee, expedited processing is available.  You may order over the phone or even on internet by using vitalchek.com.  This is also your only option for ordering a marriage certificate in Connecticut if you want to order using a credit or debit card.  You will be assessed an additional transaction fee for using this service.

 

Getting a Marriage Certificate in Connecticut for Research

 

The process for getting a marriage certificate in CT is the same whether you are ordering it for yourself or for research purposes.  You can still obtain any marriage certificate in Connecticut by making a request with the vital records office at the state level or in the town where the marriage took place.

Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

 

Guide to Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

 

Most marriages end when one partner dies or when the spouses divorce.  However, in some cases, if a marriage was not valid at the time when it was contracted, an annulment of marriage in PR may be granted.  Annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico is significantly different from divorce: while divorce recognizes the previous validity of the spousal relationship, when a marriage is annulled the courts consider it retroactively void.  This guide will teach you more about annulment of marriage in PR, but for legal advice on your specific situation you should talk to a divorce attorney.

 

Grounds for Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

 

In order to obtain an annulment of marriage in PR, you must be able to show that your marriage was void or voidable at the time when it was contracted.  For instance, you may be able to show that the marriage contract was not valid because one spouse entered into the marriage under duress, or was defrauded into marrying.  In order to attain an annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico for a fraudulent marriage, you must stop living with your spouse as soon as reasonably possible when you find out about the fraud.

 

You may also be able to seek an annulment of marriage in PR if one partner lacked the ability to consent, due to age or mental incapacity.  Incestuous marriages are also considered void, and if you discover you are married to a person who is closely related to you, you can obtain an annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico virtually automatically by providing proof of the familial relationship.

 

Obtaining an Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

 

In order to get an annulment of marriage in PR, you will need to go to court and seek a “Declaration of Nullity of Marriage.”  Because annulment of marriage in Puerto Rico can be a somewhat difficult process, especially if you need to prove duress or fraud has occurred, it may be a good idea to obtain a lawyer's services before you begin seeking your annulment.  After you file for the declaration of nullity of marriage, you will be given a hearing where evidence about your marriage may be presented.  The judge in your case will decide whether to grant you an annulment of marriage in PR.

 

Alternatives to Annulment of Marriage in Puerto Rico

 

Not all marriages may be annulled, even those that lasted only a short time.  If you are unable to attain an annulment of marriage in PR because you do not have grounds for an annulment, you may still want to pursue a no-fault divorce.  In fact, in many cases, a no-fault divorce will have the same results as an annulment of marriage and will be different in name only.  It is also substantially easier to obtain a no-fault divorce than an annulment, especially if you and your spouse can agree about how to divide all of your property.

Annulment of Marriage in Nevada

Annulment of Marriage in Nevada

 

Grounds and Procedures for Annulment of Marriage in NV

 

Annulment of Marriages in Nevada

 

Most laws for an annulment of marriage in Nevada are located in NRS 125.290-350 of the state’s revised statutes.  This article will reference the listed sections as well as important procedures to take while filing for an annulment of marriage in Nevada.  If you are thinking about an annulment of marriage in Nevada, you should talk within an attorney to help you with the process.  Otherwise, you may not be able to obtain an annulment of marriage in NV. 

 

Specific Laws about Annulments of Marriages in Nevada

 

General provisions for annulments of marriages in Nevada are located in NRS 125.290-350 of the state’s revised statutes. Generally, an annulment of marriage in Nevada may occur in the following situations: 

 

1. Consanguinity between the parties is close enough for an annulment of marriage in NV

2. Either party had another spouse living in another state before the annulment of marriage in NV

3. When either party way under 16, unless they were 15 and the court halted the annulment of marriage in NV

4. Either party was under the age of 18 and legal guardians didn’t give consent, but the annulment of marriage in Nevada must be finalized in one year

5. Between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was performed in another state, is a direct ground for annulment of marriage in NV

6. Either party was incapacitated at the time of the marriage and now wants an annulment of marriage in Nevada; however, annulments of marriages in Nevada may not stand if two parties cohabitated and the incapacitated party willingly cohabitated

7. If consent was obtained through fraud, an annulment of marriage in NV is void from the time of nullity; however, annulments of marriages in Nevada may not stand if the other party knew about the fraud and still cohabitated with the other spouse

 

Steps for Annulments of Marriages in Nevada 

 

An annulment of marriage in Nevada requires the following steps: 

 

1. Fill out court forms: you’ll have to fill out several different forms depending on the grounds of your annulment of marriage in Nevada, and you’ll have to file a complaint with any district court (or the local district court if marriage was performed out of state).  You’ll have to contact your local district court in order to find information on what forms you’ll need to file a complaint for an annulment of marriage in Nevada.

2. File the forms with the clerk: you will have to pay filing fees for every form you submit for annulments of marriages in Nevada.  You will have to fill out even more forms if you want to establish temporary orders for child support, spousal support, or other issues within annulments of marriages in Nevada.    

3. Serve the forms to the other party: you can have the court send the documents to the second party, you can mail the forms yourself, or you can have an outside party hand over the forms for an annulment of marriage in NV.   

4. Set up a court hearing: an annulment of marriages in Nevada must have supporting factors hold up in court, and you should hire a lawyer to help you prepare for the trial.  If either party misrepresented their age, a court may not always grant an annulment of marriage in NV in some cases.

Annulment of Marriage in Utah

Annulment of Marriage in Utah

 

Grounds and Procedures for Annulment of Marriage in UT

 

Annulments of Marriages in Utah

 

Most laws for an annulment of marriage in Utah are located in §30-1-1 and §30-1-2 of the state’s revised code.  This article will reference the listed sections as well as important procedures to take while filing for an annulment of marriage in Utah.  If you are thinking about an annulment of marriage in Utah, you should talk within an attorney to help you with the process.  Otherwise, you may not be able to obtain an annulment of marriage in UT. 

 

Specific Laws about Annulments of Marriages in Utah

 

General provisions for annulments of marriages in Utah are located in §30-1-2 of the state’s revised code. Generally, an annulment of marriage in Utah may occur in the following situations: 

 

1. There was another husband or wife living during the second marriage and there was not a divorce before the annulment of marriage in UT

 

2. Either party was under the age of 18 unless they obtained proper consent under §30-1-9 to stop the annulment of marriage in UT

 

3. When either the male or female was under the age of 16, unless they were 15 and met conditions under §30-1-9 to halt the annulment of marriage in UT

 

4. If either party was involved in a divorce and attempted to marry again before the divorce became final

 

5. Between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was performed in another state, is a direct ground for annulment of marriage in UT

 

Section 30-1-1 also allows an annulment of marriage in Utah if the marriage is incestuous.  According to this section, annulments of marriages in Utah occur in the following circumstances: 

 

• marriages between parents and children

• marriage between ancestors and descendants of every degree, unless the annulment of marriage in UT is exempt because of age

• marriages between brothers and sisters or half or whole blood

• marriages between aunts or uncles and nephews or nieces 

• marriage between first cousins, unless exempt from an annulment of marriage in UT 65 or older or 55 or older and unable to reproduce

• marriages between two people in any 4th or less degree of consanguinity 

 

Steps for Annulments of Marriages in Utah

 

An annulment of marriage in Utah requires the following steps: 

 

1. Fill out court forms: you’ll have to fill out several different forms depending on the grounds of your annulment of marriage in Utah, and you’ll have to file a complaint with the district court.  You’ll have to contact your local district court in order to find information on what forms you’ll need to file a complaint for an annulment of marriage in Utah.

2. File the forms with the clerk: you will have to pay filing fees for every form you submit for annulments of marriages in Utah.  You will have to fill out even more forms if you want to establish temporary orders for child support, spousal support, or other issues within annulments of marriages in Utah.    

3. Serve the forms to the other party: you can have the court send the documents to the second party, you can mail the forms yourself, or you can have an outside party hand over the forms for annulments of marriages in Utah.   

4. Set up a court hearing: all annulments of marriages in Utah must have supporting factors hold up in court, and you should hire a lawyer to help you prepare for the trial.  If either party misrepresented their age, a court may not always grant an annulment in some cases.

 

Copy of Marriage License Utah

Copy of Marriage License Utah

 

Obtaining Copy of Marriage License in UT

 

Copies of Marriage Licenses: Utah

 

The updated Utah code has specific laws for obtaining a copy of marriage license.  Utah licenses are discussed within several sections of Title 30, Chapter 1, and most of the sections about the copies of marriage licenses in Utah are discussed within this article.  Additionally, some helpful information about necessary items you’ll have to bring to obtain a copy of marriage license in Utah is also provided in this article.

 

§30-1-7 on Use of Copy of Marriage License in UT

 

This section of law on copies of marriage licenses in Utah states: 

 

• no marriage may be solemnized in the state without a copy of marriage license (Utah) by the county clerk of any county of this state

• a copy of marriage license in UT issued by a county clerk may only be used within this state

• copies of marriage licenses in Utah not used within 30 days will become void

 

§30-1-8 Applications for Copy of Marriage License in UT

 

This law discusses the majority of information about applying for a copy of marriage license in Utah.  A county clerk needs the following information:

 

• the full names of the man and woman, including the maiden name

• current address of each party 

• date and place of birth

• names of their respective parents

• birthplaces of fathers and mothers

• the distinctive races or nationality of each of parents

• if the woman is widow and applied for a form copy of marriage license in UT

• approved and signed petition from a Judicial Council for copy of marriage license in Utah if either party is under 16

• social security numbers may not be recorded on the copy of marriage license in UT

 

• the Department of Health may request a social security number only in the case of Recovery Services within the DHS

 

§30-1-13 Solemnization without Copy of Marriage License in UT

 

This section of law on copies of marriage licenses in Utah provides penalties for officiators in certain cases.  If a person knowingly solemnizes a marriage without a copy of marriage license in Utah, and either party is under 16 without approval by the court, he or she is guilty of a third degree felony.  

 

§30-1-11 Returning Copy of Marriage License in Utah after Ceremony

 

This law states that copies of marriage licenses in Utah must be returned in 30 days.  Validation of the copy of marriage license in Utah needs signature of the officiator, the date and place of the celebration, and names of two or more witnesses.  

 

If a person fails to return the copy of marriage license in Utah, they may be guilty of a misdemeanor. 

 

§30-1-16 Misconduct of clerk for issuing copy of marriage license in UT

 

This law provides penalties toward a clerk unlawfully issuing copies of marriage licenses in Utah.  If the clerk issues a prohibited copy of marriage license in UT, they can receive a fine up to $1,000, be confined in a state prison for up to two years, and be removed from their duties permanently.  

Marriage Certificate Utah

Marriage Certificate Utah

 

Quick Guide to Marriage Certificates in UT

 

Marriage Certificates in Utah

 

In order to validate a marriage certificate in Utah, two prospective spouses must follow a number of steps and make sure the marriage is valid under law.  This article will discuss steps two people should take to finalize their marriage certificate in Utah after obtaining a marriage license, but qualifying factors to legally marry need explained first.  

 

Requirements for Marriage Certificate in UT

 

In order to receive marriage certificates in Utah, two future spouses cannot try to enter into a marriage that is otherwise void by law.  A marriage certificate in Utah cannot be issued in any circumstances if the marriage would contain any of the following characteristics: 

 

1. There was another husband or wife living during the second marriage and there was not a divorce

 

2. Either party was under the age of 18 unless they obtained proper consent under §30-1-9 for the marriage certificate in UT

 

3. When either the male or female was under the age of 16, unless they were 15 and met conditions under §30-1-9 for marriage certificate in Utah

 

4. If either party was involved in a divorce and attempted to marry again before the divorce became final

 

5. Between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was performed in another state

 

6. Validation of a marriage certificate in UT would cause incestuous relationship

 

There may be other reasons the marriage certificate in UT may be void as well, and you’ll want to ask a county clerk for clarification on state law.  

 

Step 2 Solemnization Requirements for Marriage Certificates in Utah

 

If couples have qualified for a marriage certificate in Utah, they will receive a copy of the marriage license along with a blank return for the person who has solemnized the marriage.  In order for a couple to legally receive a marriage certificate in Utah, the marriage must be solemnized according to §30-1-6.

 

The statute provides that only the following qualified individuals can solemnize a marriage and validate marriage certificates in Utah: 

 

• ministers, rabbis, or priests of any religious denomination

• spiritual advisors of other religions

• judges and magistrates, governors, and multiple other legal professionals

 

Officiators may not be required for marriage certificates in Utah in some cases.  The state allows common law marriages, and the process for a marriage certificate in Utah is a bit different for common-law marriages.  If you have questions about marriage certificates in Utah for common-law marriages, contact your local court.  

 

Step 3 Return Signed Marriage Certificates in Utah to the County Clerk

 

A marriage certificate in Utah must be signed by the person who legally solemnized the marriage (or signed mutually between the parties without an officiator in certain cases) and returned to the county court as soon as possible.  After the clerk has received the validated and completed marriage certificate in Utah, they and the county court will be the full custodian of records relating to the marriage between the two parties.  

 

If any copies of the marriage certificate in UT are needed in the future, a party should call or visit the district court in which they submitted the original certificate.

 

There are strict penalties for obtaining a marriage certificate in UT with fraud.  If either party or clerk has falsely placed information on a marriage certificate in Utah, they may face serious penalties.  Penalties for fraudulent marriage certificates in Utah also apply to officiators.  The state has strict penalties compared to other states, and a person can be convicted of a felony for fraudulently signing or placing false information on the marriage certificate in UT.  

What are grandparent’s rights?

What are grandparent's rights?


WHAT ARE GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS?
Grandparents rights is essentially a term that means a grandparent’s rights to visitation or custody of their grandchild.  This issue comes up most often up on the death of the grandparent’s child or the finding of child abuse by the parents of the grandchild. 
DO THEY EXIST?
As with any other law pertaining to the family and domestic relations the issue of grandparent’s rights is a state issue and differs across the country.  That being understood there is generally no right associated with being a grandparent.  As far as the law is concerned grandparents are treated almost like strangers to the grandchild and visitation and custody can be limited by the parent for essentially any reason.
All States generally allow grandparents to have visitation rights subject to the requirement that the visitation be in the best interest of the grandchild and the grandparent must prove that the visitation will neither be harmful or abusive to the child.
WHEN DOES THE ISSUE OF GRANPARENTS RIGHTS COME UP?
Generally the subject of grandparent’s rights comes into effect when the parent of a child dies and the parents of that parent seek to continue to visit their grandchild.  For example, Harold and Wilma are married and have one child, Pam.  A year after Pam’s birth Wilma dies in a car accident.  Subsequently Wilma’s parents wish to continue visiting Pam against the wishes of Harold. 
States differ in their interpretation of grandparent’s rights from the more lenient to the stringent.  States such as Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho and Maryland permit a grandparent to go to court to enforce their visitation rights if that visitation right is in the best interest of the child.  Other more stringent jurisdictions require a grandparent to prove that they have had absolutely no visitations with the grandchild before they may proceed with legal action.
If the case goes to court States differ in the burden of proof required.  Some States, such as Florida and Minnesota, require that the grandparents prove that they have some kind of parent-child relationship with the grandparent which essentially means that the grandparent provides some kind of caregiver type status.  In other States the burden is on the parent to show that the grandparent’s involvement would interfere with the parent-child relationship.
CASE LAW PERTAINING TO GRANDPARENTS RIGHT?
TROXEL V. GRANVILLE
The quintessential modern case involving grandparent’s rights is Troxell v. Granville 530 U.S. 57, 120 S.Ct. 2054, 147 L. Ed. 2d 49, 2000 U.S.
BACKGROUND
The parents, Tommie Granville and Brad Troxel, were never married and had two children.  During that time the grandparents had visitation through their son, Brad.  Upon Brad’s suicide Tommie began to scale back the paternal grandparent’s visitation rights until she would only permit them to see their granddaughters one time per month.  The grandparents sued in court for extensive visitation rights including two weeks per year during the summer.  The Superior Court of the State of Washington found in favor of the grandparents and Tommie Granville appealed.
HOLDING
After an initial appeal the case went all the way to the Supreme Court where the Justices found that the Due Process Clause of the XIV Amendment would be infringed if a parent were limited to his/her right to grant or deny visitation.  The Court also found that the standard of “best interest of the child” was detrimentally overbroad and thus unconstitutional.  In closing, it has been found that forcing a parent to give visitation to a grandparent would put a substantial burden on the traditional parent-child relationship.

Do I Need A Family Law Attorney

Do I Need A Family Law Attorney

WHAT IS FAMILY LAW?
Family law is a specific area of law that deals with exactly that, families.  The practice of family law envelopes a number of issues including divorce, annulment, separation agreements, child custody, child support, matrimonial property division, estate planning, wills and trusts and numerous other matters.  As with any other specific area of the law which an individual might need to go to court, it is highly recommended that one seek a respected and experienced FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY to deal with the matter.
WHY DO I NEED A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY?

One would need a family law attorney for numerous reasons.  Family rights and family disputes are often one of the most important issues in someone’s life and for that reason it is not recommended to use “novice” techniques.
Of all the legal disputes that arise on a daily basis in the United States, issues of family law are the most likely to be represented by Pro Se litigants.  These are individuals who represent themselves in court.  As the adage goes, “he who represents himself has a fool for a client.”
Probably more so than with any other aspects of the law, the decisions that are finalized through family court are long lasting and have a great impact on the individual.  A divorce proceeding that is handled poorly can leave a person without the alimony needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have a detrimental affect decades into the future.  Consistent with this is the process of child custody rights.  Someone who is ill equipped to handle the matter may find that they have been granted minimal custody or visitation rights that can lead a parent to be estranged from his or her child.
One of the most important reasons to hire a family law attorney is because of the emotional toll that a family law situation will take upon a litigant.  When dealing with a divorce, child custody, wills and estates it is very easy for a litigant to get emotionally entangled in a situation.  As with anything else one has to separate business from personal life and when the “counsel” is also the litigant it can lead to mixed, and often, illogical reasoning that results in an unfavorable result.
WHAT IS FAMILY COURT?
Family Law is one of the areas of the law, in the United States, that often has its own special court.  This is known as Family Court.  In many States, Family Court can share jurisdiction over specific legal matters with other courts of the same jurisdiction.  It is important to know, and another reason why one would want a family law attorney, that these courts often have their own rules as far as filing, making motions, and other procedural issues.  It is best to consult an attorney who is familiar with both the substantive and procedural issues associated with family law.

Divorce Questions Answered

Divorce Questions Answered

WHAT IS A DIVORCE?
A divorce, also known as a marital dissolution, is the legal termination of a marriage.  A divorce, like any other form of family law and domestic relations is considered the sole jurisdiction of the States and as such the States are free to have their own laws concerning both the divorce and rights to property, alimony, and child issues subject to the divorce.
Traditionally a divorce could only be decreed subject to certain conditions.  These conditions included: Cruel and Inhuman treatment; Abandonment; A specific period of time that one spouse has been incarcerated in prison; Adultery; and the legal determination of the insanity of one of the spouses.  These conditions were prevalent among States that required a fault-based divorce.
The modern trend, and the law in every State in the union, is to follow a no-fault divorce standard.  These States do not require either spouse to show fault on the part of the other.  In these situations the court need only find: (1) that the marriage is no longer tenable, (2) that certain conditions, known as “irreconcilable differences have caused the marriage to be irretrievable; or (3) that the marriage is irretrievable.  In contrast to fault-based divorce a no-fault divorce is relatively simple and since New York’s adoption of the policy in August of 2010 it is accepted in every State in the Union.
WHAT IS A SEPARATION AGREEMENT?
A separation agreement is unlike a divorce in that it does not legally terminate a marriage.  When a court orders a separation it will also outline the rights and obligations that each individual who is a party to the marriage has pertaining to child custody and support, division of property, and spousal support.  In essence a separation agreement can be considered a “test run divorce.”
WHY WOULD I WANT A SEPARATION AGREEMENT?
There are a number of reasons why a separation agreement may be more beneficial to both you and your spouse.  First, and most importantly, it allows time for the couple to be separated and determine whether or not the marriage can or should be saved without going through the finality of divorce.  Secondly, all those rights that go along with being married, including: medical benefits, social security benefits and rights associated with wills and intestacy law that only a spouse can benefit from. 
If a separation does not solve the problem the married couple can go to the court and petition for a conversion divorce.  What this means is that the Family Court will take the separation agreement and convert it to a divorce decree.  In many situations the court will find that the specifics associated with child custody, child support, and spousal support are adequate if not argued during the period of separation and the court will institute these specifics directly into the divorce.
As with any other matter dealing with Family Law, these provisions are State specific and if an individual is considering a divorce or separation agreement he or she should not only consult with an attorney specializing in family law but also research those laws that are specific to their jurisdiction.
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