Legal separation is a legal process by which a married couple may formalize a de facto separation while remaining legally married. A legal separation is granted in the form of a court order.

What does separated mean in a relationship?

What does it mean to be separated? ... Separation means that you are living apart from your spouse but are still legally married until you get a judgment of divorce. Although a separation doesn't end your marriage, it does affect the financial responsibilities between you and your spouse before the divorce is final.

What does it mean to be married but separated?

Marital separation occurs when spouses in a marriage stop living together without getting divorced. ... Other couples may separate as an alternative to divorce for economic or religious reasons, for tax purposes, or to ensure continuing retirement and/or health insurance benefits for both spouses.