What Is A Legal Separation?

A: In Washington State, a legal separation is a formal agreement that a couple makes (through either a contract or decree) to live apart from one another. Some couples choose a legal separation as a way to have time apart while working out problems in their marriage. Some choose legal separation instead of divorce for religious or economic reasons. Still others use legal separation as a step to take before going through a divorce. Just as in divorce agreements, separation agreements can discuss issues such as division of property, child custody, child visitation, spousal support, and other arrangements.