legal separation (you are still married but you do not live together); dissolution of the marriage after legal separation.

Is legally separated considered married?

It is separate and distinct from property settlement and parenting arrangements after the breakdown of a marriage. You do not have to get a divorce when you separate unless you want to remarry, but staying married may affect your legal obligations.

What does legally separated mean in a marriage?

A legal separation is a court-ordered agreement in which a married couple lives separate lives, usually by living apart. A legal separation is preferred over divorce for some people because of religious beliefs, financial reasons, and for the benefit of minor children.