Bakersfield Separation Agreement Attorney

Serving Clients Throughout Kern County

If your relationship has reached the point where it is no longer able to continue, but you aren’t quite prepared to start fully pursuing a divorce just yet, you may benefit from drafting and obtaining a separation agreement with your spouse. To put it simply, a separation agreement allows spouses to separate from one another without formally dissolving their marriage through divorce (California Family Code § 3580). This allows both sides a chance to establish their lives individually and then pursue their final dissolution once they are more aware of their situation and accustomed to what their life may look like after the fact.

At The Gorski Firm, we can help guide clients through the process of creating a separation agreement that fits their life and their unique circumstances. We are an experienced and highly-regarded firm offering tailored advice and guidance through some of life’s most difficult and emotionally taxing family law challenges. Attorney Vincent A. Gorski has been certified as a Family Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization, making him a prominent member of his field and demonstrating his high level of acumen in working with these types of matters. When you want confidence and peace of mind during a time that is often fraught with uncertainty and stress, we do everything we can to make your experience a positive one.

Request a consultation to discuss a separation agreement with the team at The Gorski Firm! Call us at (661) 768-1441 today. We offer virtual consultations. Se habla español!

Why It’s Important to Have an Attorney for a Separation Agreement

Having an attorney involved in a separation agreement is important because these documents can have long-lasting legal and financial consequences, especially once they are submitted to the court and approved as part of a legal separation or divorce. California law requires full and accurate financial disclosure between spouses in family law matters, and agreements reached without proper disclosure can later be challenged or set aside. (California Family Code §§ 2100–2107). 

Clarity and legal accuracy are essential right from the start of the separation process. Once a judge signs a written agreement, it becomes a court order that both parties must follow. We help our clients understand their rights, spot potential issues before they become problems, and draft agreements that reflect their intentions while aligning with California law.

Common Considerations in a Separation Agreement

At The Gorski Firm, we help clients think through the practical and legal issues that will shape daily life and long-term stability during your separation. Putting your wishes for these issues into clear and enforceable terms is important to reduce misunderstandings, limit future disputes, and give both spouses a reliable framework to move forward with confidence.

Common considerations often included in a separation agreement include:

• Division of property and debts
• Spousal support
• Child custody and parenting time
• Child support
• Health insurance and expenses

By addressing these issues directly in the agreement, we help our clients create clear expectations and reduce the likelihood of future conflict, giving everyone a more stable foundation during an already challenging transition.

When Do I Need a Separation Agreement?

You may need a separation agreement when you and your spouse decide to live apart and want clear, written terms governing finances, property, support, or parenting decisions while you are separated. We often see these agreements used when couples are not ready to file for divorce, are pursuing a legal separation, or want to establish expectations before moving forward with a divorce case. Having an agreement in place at this stage can help reduce uncertainty, clarify responsibilities, and provide structure during a time when uncertainty may contribute to stress that exacerbates outstanding issues.

For more information about separation agreements, or to discuss your situation with an attorney, reach out to our Bakersfield-based crew at (661) 768-1441 today.