A formal arrangement allows couples to live apart while remaining legally married, contrasting with the dissolution of marriage. The former provides a structured period of separation, potentially for reconciliation or other reasons, while the latter terminates the marital bond completely, allowing each party to remarry.
Understanding the ramifications of each option is crucial for individuals contemplating marital dissolution. Considerations range from religious beliefs prohibiting divorce to maintaining specific benefits associated with marriage, such as health insurance or tax advantages. Historically, legal separation served as a precursor to divorce, but it now stands as a viable alternative for those seeking distance without finality.