Bifurcation – What is a ‘bifurcation’ of marital status?


Warning: Zend OPcache API is restricted by "restrict_api" configuration directive in /srv/users/serverpilot/apps/lawslookup/public/wp-content/plugins/tubepress/vendor/tedivm/stash/src/Stash/Driver/FileSystem.php on line 253

Warning: Zend OPcache API is restricted by "restrict_api" configuration directive in /srv/users/serverpilot/apps/lawslookup/public/wp-content/plugins/tubepress/vendor/tedivm/stash/src/Stash/Driver/FileSystem.php on line 253

What is a ‘bifurcation’ of marital status?

In a dissolution of marriage lawsuit, one spouse may want to get married before all the other issues are resolved (child custody, child visitation, a href=”http://family-law.freeadvice.com/child_support/”>child support, spousal support, distribution of property, attorney fees, and personal conduct). Under state law, one spouse may be able to have the issue of marital status taken separately from the other issues, in order to remarry while providing additional time to work to resolve the remaining issues. By “bifurcating” marital status from the other issues, a spouse can be returned to the legal status of an unmarried (single) person, while the court retains the ability to resolve the remaining issues (at trial if negotiation fails).

Related video below.