Divorce, Legal Separation, Nullity

If you are having problems in your marriage and feel that reconciliation is not possible, you have several options available to you.  

Divorce: A divorce degree dissolves the marriage, releasing you of your marital obligations. However, certain obligations remain, such as child and spousal support responsibilities.

Legal Separation: A judgment of legal separation does not dissolve the marriage, which means that you and your spouse will remain married. However, you can obtain orders concerning property division, child custody and visitation, as well as support. Some couples choose legal separation over divorce due to religious or moral beliefs.

More on Divorce and Legal Separation:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce and Legal Separation in California
• Divorce and Legal Separation Compared
• Grounds and Requirements for a Divorce or Legal Separation
• More...

To get a divorce or legal separation judgment, you have several options. Learn more in my series of articles: Getting a Divorce in California.

Annulment or Nullity: While a divorce ends a marriage, a judgment of nullity declares a marriage void or voidable. Essentially that means that the marriage never really existed. In order to find a marriage void or voidable, certain circumstances must have existed at the time of marriage, such as fraud, force, or unsound mind.