LEGAL SEPARATION

A legal document allowing parties to legally live apart, with the rights and obligation of divorced person, but without an actual divorce.  A legal separation is usually sought for the same reasons and on the same basis as a divorce action and usually include agreements made about child custody, alimony, child support and distribution of property and financial situations.

For individuals who want hope to save their marriage, or who don't want to be burdened by the "stigma" of divorce, a legal separation is a possible solution.  Because more and more states are allowing no-fault divorce, legal separations and separation agreements are rarely used.