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 doesnt end your marriage, it does affect the financial responsibilities between you and your spouse before the divorce is final.

How do I know if I am separated?

When two people who have been living together in a marriage, or a marriage-like relationship (sometimes called a common-law relationship), decide not to live together any more, they are separated. If you are living apart, you are separated.

What are the rules of separation?

Separation generally means living apart from each other. It can be unilaterally initiated by either spouse, or mutually decided. To prove that your marriage has irretrievably broken down, in order to obtain a divorce, you must have been separated for at least 12 months.