Separation
In general, the termination of any contractual relationship (e.g., a contract for employment).
In family law, a situation in which spouses live apart from each other because of a judicial decree or voluntary mutual decision.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
In the context of marriage, the state of living apart. Spouses are said to be separated if they no longer live in the same dwelling, even though they may continue their relationship. They may also be considered separated while living in the same house, if they no longer share a bedroom and each live their separate lives. A legal separation results when the parties separate and a court rules on the division of property, alimony (spousal support), or child support and child custody, but does not grant a divorce.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:24 pm
