Many married couples in Maryland have gone through or are currently facing serious relationship problems. Some will wind up getting divorced. Others may determine that legal separation is a more viable option in their particular situations. No two marriages are exactly alike; therefore, what works for one couple may prove disastrous for another.

It often helps to seek outside guidance to help with major life decisions, such as whether a marriage should end in divorce or be put on hold in a legal separation. The latter allows spouses to live apart while keeping their legal union intact. Much like divorce, however, legal separation requires the court’s approval and/or final decisions for property division, child custody arrangements and other related matters.

For couples who think they might want to remain married but also wish to protect their own assets while giving one another space to work things out, legal separation might be the most beneficial choice. Also, to receive certain benefits through a former spouse’s work in divorce requires a marriage to have lasted for at least 10 years. Some people use legal separation as a means of staying married while living apart until that amount of time has passed.

State laws regarding legal separation vary. In order for someone in Maryland to make an informed decision, it is typically best to seek clarification of the laws that govern this state. This can be accomplished by requesting a consultation with a family law attorney. Once appropriate information has been provided, an attorney can remain on hand as an advocate and guide throughout whichever process is deemed most appropriate.

Source: protective.com, ” Legal Separation or Divorce? Know the Differences“, Accessed on Jan. 26, 2017