Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

• Separation: many people confuse the idea of separating (living apart) from Legal Separation. It’s legal to live separately, but some people need help in figuring out who will pay which joint bills, where the children will spend their time, and how you’ll handle support while you’re separated and either working on reconciliation or deciding to get divorced. Mediators can be very helpful in facilitating your discussions about these tough issues, especially when your separation is new. Legal Separation is a legal term which describes a process which is very similar to divorce, with the same rights and responsibilities, but which does not result in your being divorced at the end. Some people choose Legal Separation for religious reasons, or in order to stay on a spouse’s health insurance plan.