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Separation Expert Legal Guidance You Can Trust

Tampa Separation Attorney

Can You Be Legally Separated in the State of Florida?

If you've been seeking information on legal separation in Florida, you may be confused by contradictory information. To be absolutely clear, legal separation is not possible under Florida law. Therefore, if you and your spouse are living separately and you want legal protection, your options are limited. At the Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., our Tampa Bay separation lawyers have the legal knowledge and experience to provide reliable advice.

Contact our Tampa Bay separation attorneys now to learn more about legal separation in Florida!

Why Would You Get a Legal Separation Instead of a Divorce?

In states where it exists, legal separation is not for couples that want to "take a break" and "figure things out" before getting back together. It is a permanent designation for people who want to dissolve their marriage, but for whom divorce is either unacceptable or impractical. In many ways, legal separation is the same as divorce, with one notable exception: Legally separated couples are prohibited from marrying other partners.

People choose separation over divorce for compelling reasons:

  • To retain health benefits and tax advantages with their spouses
  • To avoid divorce for religious or moral reasons
  • To settle issues while waiting to meet divorce eligibility requirements

A legal separation, like a divorce settlement agreement, decides many important issues:

Enforcing Legal Separation Orders from Other States in Florida

Although Florida does not grant legal separation status, Florida courts must enforce terms of legal separations finalized in other states. If you or your separated spouse now reside in Florida, our Clearwater separation lawyer can help you get relief under the terms of the legal separation judgment from the court in the other state. Furthermore, if you have a legal separation agreement from another state, and now want to divorce in Florida, we may be able to use that agreement effectively as the basis for an uncontested Florida divorce.

Consult Our Clearwater Attorneys: Divorce vs. Separation

Given that legal separation is not possible in Florida, the Clearwater separation attorneys at the Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. advise clients who would have pursued separation to consider a divorce. Our team serves Clearwater and Palm Harbor clients and can help you and your spouse enter a temporary legal agreement that allows you to live apart during your divorce proceedings. Obviously, decisions to divorce, like decisions to marry, should not be made in haste. However, if your marital problems are serious enough for you to start considering legal action, you would benefit from a consultation with a board-certified marital law attorney.

Reach Out to Our Tampa Bay Separation Lawyers Today

When marital problems lead you to consider divorce, you need an attorney who knows how to pursue legally enforceable solutions. At the Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, you can consult with a board-certified marital and family law attorney in Palm Harbor who can answer your questions and help you plan for the future!

Schedule an appointment with our Tampa Bay separation lawyer today. Contact us at (727) 939-6113 or online.

Why Choose K. Dean Kantaras, P.A.?

  • Several Decades of Experience on Your Side
  • Top Rating for Ethics & Skill of AV Preeminent®
  • Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
  • Selection for Florida Super Lawyers® - Top 5%

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Superior to his opposing counsel"
    Dean was so far superior to his opposing counsel that it was apparent that he was the superior legal mind.
    - D.
    "Great service"
    The firm of KDK is very outstanding. Dean is an exemplary attorney. I am impressed with his knowledge, intelligence, honesty and sincerity.
    - Errol Morrison
    "My sincere thanks"
    My sincere thanks for Dean, Doukissa, Karen, Azhar, Iris and all other legal team members for the professional case work completed and personal compassion demonstrated on my behalf.
    - R.R.
    "Immigration lawyer Brittany Mohamed is very personable, helpful, and knowledgeable!"
    Immigration lawyer Brittany Mohamed is very personable, helpful, and knowledgeable! We had our case approved with her help.
    - Vanessa
    "Patience is a virtue."
    Good afternoon, I want to say that the staff at Dean’s office have been exceptional. I worked closely with Iris, Nicole, Patrice, Danielle, and Joe. They all helped me through the process. Dean is a very intelligent attorney and finally got the Judge to see it our way, because of the law and a lot of hard work. Thank you all for your effort.
    - John Judge
    "Dean and his team have been a blessing in this difficult process."
    Dean and his team have been a blessing in this difficult process. although I'm not to the end just yet, I have faith he and the whole team will help me get across the finish line. I would highly recommend him. Worth every penny!
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    "They definitely help make things a little easier in a very difficult time."
    Excellent law firm. From the admin personnel, to the paralegals, and all the attorneys. They work together as a team to fight for you. Would highly recommend them to anyone going through family court especially if it is contested. They definitely help make things a little easier in a very difficult time.
    - Isaac G.