Jeff Landers published an article in Forbes discussing financial benefits of legal separation agreements. Washington State allows for legal separation agreements in RCW 26.09.090. A legally binding agreement can ensure you resolve division of assets and debt, child support, child custody visitation, and alimony.
Jeff points out several financial benefits:
- Allows you to meet the 10-year requirement for social security benefits.
- Allows you to continue receiving health insurance benefits under your spouses plan.
- Continue to take advantage of potential tax benefits from filing jointly.
- You may be able to retain certain military benefits.
- If you choose to stay in the same house, you may pool certain resources (read the details in the article for a more comprehensive description)
Read the entire article here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2012/01/10/legal-separation-or-divorce-which-is-better-financially/?feed=rss_home