Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.
In Wyoming, individuals contemplating the end of their marriage have several options to consider. Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court, which addresses issues such as property division, child custody, and support. Before filing for divorce, some couples may explore marriage counseling as a way to potentially reconcile or to cope with the emotional aspects of separation. Legal separation is another option, which allows couples to live apart and formalize financial and custody arrangements without officially terminating the marriage; however, Wyoming does not recognize legal separation in the same way some other states do. Instead, couples may enter into a 'separate maintenance' agreement, which functions similarly. Annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never existed, but it is only available under certain limited circumstances, such as fraud, bigamy, or incapacity. Living apart without any formal legal agreement is also possible, but it may have implications for property rights and custody matters. Each of these alternatives has different legal and financial consequences, and individuals should consult with an attorney to understand the implications of each choice in the context of Wyoming law.