Legal separation is like a pause button on your relationship, without totally putting an end to it. It is like testing divorce without really going through the hectic, emotionally challenging experience of signing divorce papers.

It is a good option when couples want to take a break, think things through, sort out their differences, and see if they can reconcile without breaking up completely. “If you are experiencing financial problems, infidelity, or simply growing apart, legal separation is often advisable to sort out the issues and see if they can still make things work,” Joe Lemus explains.

Joe Lemus walks you through what legal separation really entails, how it is different from divorce, including the advantages and disadvantages. This will help you to make the right choice and understand if this route is for you.