Legal Separation
A court-ordered arrangement where spouses live apart while remaining legally married, often addressing support and property issues.
Example
They chose legal separation instead of divorce due to religious beliefs.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Separation (no court order required; one year of separation is grounds for divorce under the Divorce Act).
Jurisdiction Variations
Legal Separation
California allows legal separation as a distinct proceeding; parties remain married
Not available
Texas does not recognize legal separation as a formal legal status
Not available
Delaware does not have a legal separation procedure
Not available
Florida has no legal separation statute; parties use separation agreements instead
Separate Maintenance
Georgia uses 'separate maintenance' instead of legal separation
Not available
Mississippi does not provide for legal separation
Not available
Pennsylvania does not have legal separation; uses 'separation' as grounds for divorce