A period of living apart before legally dissolving a marriage is a common practice. This arrangement allows couples to experience life independent of one another while still legally married. For example, a couple might maintain separate residences for several months, managing their finances individually, prior to initiating divorce proceedings.
This period offers several advantages. It provides an opportunity for emotional distance, allowing individuals to assess their feelings and consider the long-term implications of ending the marriage. Furthermore, it can serve as a trial period to determine if reconciliation is possible or if ending the marriage is the best course of action. Historically, formalized periods preceding legal dissolution have been utilized in various cultures to ensure thorough consideration and to mitigate hasty decisions.