Do you have a feeling that your marriage has come to an end? Is the word “Divorce” coming to your mind again and again? Just don't rush to hasty decisions, calm down and think it all over. Maybe there is a chance to restore the onetime relationships after all. There is a legal alternative besides the divorce itself as a final option. This is a Legal Separation. A legal separation is a court order that mandates the rights and duties of a couple while they are still married, but living apart. There are 4 types of separation: 1. Trial separation - is a period of time during which spouses live apart to decide whether or not to continue the marriage. It doesn't have any legal effect on property division and duties of the spouses. 2. Living apart - if two spouses no longer live in the same residence, they are said to be living apart. It can affect the property division in some states. 3. Permanent separation - is when a couple decides to split up for good. Most states view all property and debts acquired after a permanent separation as a separate property with the exception of expenses for: - children - house payments. 4. Legal separation - occurs when a couple splits up, files separation paperwork and seeks a court issued judgment for a division of property, child custody, support payments, visitation rights (but not asking for a divorce!) So the difference between a Divorce and a Legal Separation is that a divorce being a final decree, the marriage is considered to be ended, while in Legal Separation you are still married, though living apart. The benefit of the former is that it gives you the last chance to save your marriage by revising your common mistakes and coming to an agreement. Divorce issues, like most family law issues, can be very complex and frustrating. Additionally, each state has different laws. You need an experienced lawyer who will know all about the laws of your state.