Legal Insurance
Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What’s the Difference?
Marriages can take turns that push couples to consider a trial separation or even ending a marriage. Learning about the differences between these choices can help guide couples through a difficult time.
A legal separation is when a married couple decides to live separately, but remains legally married. A divorce is the legal dissolution of marriage — meaning the court terminates the marriage’s legal bond, determines child custody and support if needed, and divides the couple's assets and liabilities. Separations can also involve the court establishing agreements like custody.
Explore this guide to understand the critical differences between separation and divorce.
What is a legal separation?
A legal separation is when a married couple formally separates without filing for a divorce. Unlike a divorce, the couple remains legally married and can either reconcile or move forward with a divorce in the future.
The couple can still go court to establish legally binding agreements around property division, child custody and support, and other relevant items they want to divide during the separation. These, and other important matters, are outlined in their separation agreement.
Separation agreement
A separation agreement is a legal contract between spouses. It outlines the terms and responsibilities of their separation, much like what you would see in a divorce decree. Separation agreements can cover.1
- Division of marital property
- Allocation of parental responsibilities
- Child custody and allocation of time
- Child support and spousal support
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What are the differences between legal separation vs. divorce?
When choosing between legal separation or filing for a divorce, there are a few key differences to consider.
- Insurance: When a couple legally separates, they often can still decide to keep the other person covered under their insurance plans. A divorce can lead to one partner losing coverage.
- Marital status and taxes: Since a couple remains legally married during a separation, they can file taxes jointly or married filing separately depending on their agreement. If a couple decides to divorce, both parties would file their taxes as single.
- Legal and medical decisions: Many states consider separated couples to be next of kin — meaning they can make legal and medical decisions, unless otherwise outlined in the separation agreement. When couples file for divorce, those decisions and connections may be severed.
- Debts and liabilities: A legal separation specifies what debts will remain joint and what becomes an individual’s responsibility, including debts accumulated during the separation. The divorce process will outline which debts belong to which partner and separate finances.
- Property ownership: Property ownership is often left untouched during a legal separation. A divorce typically results in dividing property ownership.
Reasons to consider a legal separation over a divorce
When deciding between legal separation versus a divorce, there are a few reasons a couple may opt for one over the other.
Those who don’t feel ready to terminate the marriage — or their beliefs prevent them from obtaining a divorce — may file for a legal separation instead.2 Also, some states require couples to live separately for a period of time before filing for a no-fault divorce.
Another reason couples may choose legal separation over divorce is to maintain insurance or financial benefits, like filing taxes together. Some insurance providers may have specific policies for separated individuals, so check with your provider first.
Often, couples will use a separation period to help them come to an agreement and prepare to file for an uncontested divorce. This can save them time in court, since both parties have already agreed on the terms of the divorce.
Before making your decision, it may be helpful to consult a divorce lawyer.
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1 “Separation Agreements” New York City Bar Legal Service Referral
2 “Legal Separation vs. Divorce” Dartmouth