The arrangement where a legally married couple maintains separate residences is a condition often termed a marital separation. This differs from divorce, as the legal bonds of matrimony remain intact. An example includes a couple choosing to live in separate apartments due to professional opportunities in different cities, yet maintaining their marriage.
Such a living situation can offer several advantages. It may provide space for individual growth, allow time for reconciliation after a period of conflict, or facilitate managing specific personal challenges. Historically, separations have served as a precursor to formal divorce proceedings, but also as a conscious choice to preserve the legal and social benefits of marriage while addressing interpersonal difficulties. In some cultures, maintaining a marriage even when living apart can also be important for family or societal expectations.
