In Missouri, a proper settlement permitting spouses to reside aside whereas remaining legally married is termed authorized separation. This contrasts with dissolution of marriage, generally often called divorce, which terminates the marital union. The important thing distinction lies in marital standing: legally separated people are nonetheless married, whereas divorced people are single.
The choice to pursue authorized separation can provide a number of benefits. It permits {couples} time to resolve marital points earlier than committing to a everlasting divorce. Sustaining the authorized bond can even protect advantages reminiscent of medical health insurance protection and sure tax benefits. Traditionally, authorized separation served as a precursor to divorce in jurisdictions the place acquiring a divorce was troublesome or prohibited. Even as we speak, it might probably present a pathway for people whose spiritual beliefs discourage divorce.
