The procedures followed for Legal Separation are the same as for Divorce, as stated above. The only difference is that after the decree is entered declaring the parties Legally Separated, the parties cannot be officially divorced until after six (6) months following the decree of Legal Separation.

Legal Separation carried the same legal effect as Divorce in regards to parenting time, decision making, property and debt division, except the parties are not divorced after the decree is entered. This means neither party can re-marry until a decree for dissolution has been entered. Once again, this cannot occur until at least six (6) months after the decree for Legal Separation.

Many people choose this option rather than divorce when they cannot remain together legally, cannot reside together and desire to separate their debts but are continuing either therapy or an attempt to reconcile.