Paige Elliott , P.C.

The grounds for a legal separation are the same as those for divorce and the procedures for obtaining each are similar. In some instances a legal separation is sought by a couple with marital problems who wish, because of religious convictions or in order to retain health insurance or military benefits, to live apart without divorcing. A legal separation does not automatically become a divorce after a certain number of months or years, but after two years it may be grounds for divorce.