Legal Separations Put a Board Certified Family Law Specialist In Your Corner

Legal Separations in Pasadena & Beverly Hills

Legal Separation Compared to Divorce

Couples choose legal separation for a variety of reasons. Many find it impossible to continue a happy marriage but refuse to divorce one another because of religious prohibitions. Legal separation allows them to cease the accumulation of community property and to resolve questions of property division without actually executing a divorce. Another common situation which calls for a legal separation is when the marital partners are intent on salvaging their relationship, but need to live apart for a period of time to avoid continual domestic disturbances.

California law requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. It is common for a couple to file for a legal separation simultaneously with their divorce filing, in order to bring about the conditions of divorce as early as possible. Separation also provides an interim solution to those who want a divorce but have not lived in the state for the minimum term of 6 months. If you are considering divorce or legal separation, an experienced divorce lawyer can educate you about your options and help you with whatever route you choose.

Call The Graves Law Firm for Personalized Help

The legal team at The Graves Law Firm can assist you with every aspect of a legal separation. Whether or not you and your former spouse need mediation on topics such as spousal support/alimony and visitation rights, you will benefit from consulting with an attorney from the firm. There are many questions which will need to be addressed in your separation, and when you come to the firm, you will receive guidance through the entire process as well as representation to see that your rights are protected.

Contact a family lawyer for assistance with a legal separation as an alternative to divorce.

Read what our past clients have to say about us

    “Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases.”
    I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson
    - Robert C. Harrelson
    “Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people.”
    I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck
    - Brian Beck
    “I would recommend her to anyone.”
    I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda
    - Sandra Castaneda
    “I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results!”
    At each of our meetings the interest Demetria took, coupled with the way she listened to my personal situation gave her the facts she needed to produce an excellent strategy that proved to be invaluable and ultimately brought us success in court. That was such a happy day for me. One that I have replayed in my mind time and time again. I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results! - Charlesetta M. Long
    - Charlesetta M. Long
    “I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria!”
    I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson
    - Ton Nelson
    “Working with both Sabrina and Demetria was great!”
    I was going through a difficult time financially and was unsure about filing bankruptcy partly because of the complexity of it and mainly because of the social ramifications of doing so. Working with both Sabrina and Demetria was great! When there was something I didn't understand (even if they had to repeat themselves on numerous occasions), I was always treated with both respect and patience as they explained what it was I didn't grasp. I was even encouraged to meet Demetria so as to sit down and answer any final questions before she filed my paperwork. Even after the BK was discharged, they encouraged me to call if I had any more questions - which I did. They are a class-act to follow. I highly recommend anyone, who is contemplating filing a bankruptcy, to give their office a call and consult with Demetria so as to explore your options. It will be one of the most important phone calls in your financial life! - LS
    - LS
    “Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case.”
    I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous
    - Anonymous
    “I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm.”
    I would like to take this opportunity to thank Demetria for the excellent work I received from her firm. When I first came to her office with my child custody case, I was distraught and afraid of what was to come in the months ahead. She was considerate and compassionate and best of all she gave me hope, which I had not received from any other attorney. I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm. - Aurora
    - Aurora

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