Could some one explain the logic behind separation from a spouse?

Question

I can only see one logical reason you would separate and that is if you intend to get back together one day but need your space. It is not like you are divorced where you can legally marry again; however, you are not actually married in the “marriage sense” either. I have came across women that have been separated for years, however, I am scratching my head thinking why they did not get a divorce. If I am not mistaken you have to get a divorce to get married again anyway. I guess it just does justice for my psyche to know that a person is single, divorced or widowed, however, separation makes me think they may work things out “potentially.”

Is separation a safe haven for married people to see other people without legal problems? What are all the logics of behind separation?

Answer 1

You are exactly right. Its a way to see if you want to be single and sleep with other people without having to give them money. Only cheaters do this. People who are not in love anymore already know its over. There are circumstances when they can't afford to file for divorce so they say they are separated. You must consider how long they have been separated before you get involved.

Answer 2

I was separated for 4 years and I'm finally getting my divorce. The reason is because when I first left I was scared and then when I was ready I called around to find a lawyer and I couldn't afford it. So I called legal aid and they said the were only taking emergency cases, (emergency meaning you have already been taken to court). My soon to be ex-husband has never wanted a divorce even though he has a girlfriend. So he would never have filed even after 4 years. I have three kids to support and I had to make sure the were taken care of before I did anything for myself.

Answer 3

We have what's called a "covenant marriage." What that means is that before we could get divorced, we would need biblical reason to divorce (like infidelity), be legally separated for at least two years, and make an attempt though counseling to reconcile. It's actually less work to work things out, but that would be a reason to be legally separated.

Answer 4

Sometimes it takes a few years to obtain the divorce if the case goes to trial.

So when you meet someone who is separated, it is important to know why.

I met a guy on a ski lift and went out on a date with him that evening. Coincidentally when I told a good a friend about him, the good friend knew him because my friend's parents lived in the same town as this guy. My friend said that he was married. So I called the guy and told him that my friend made this outrageous accusation and that I had five bucks riding on the fact that he was single. My friend was going to clear up his misperceptions with his parents and get back to me. (In other words, it was going to get back to the folks in his town,) Well I knew my friend was probably right and I just wanted to make the guy sweat a bit. He did not come clean on the phone. A week later, I got an apology note from this supposedly 'separated' guy.

Answer 5

i've been seperated from my husband for 8 yrs as much as i would love to get the divorce, i can't afford it with 2 kids to support, & legal aid says (somehow) i make too much money. I think that if they've only been seperated for a short time with no divorce in progress then it's probably not a good idea to become serious with them.