The benefits of a trial separation differ from couple to couple. However, its common for spouses to feel like a trial separation is beneficial because: if youre hoping to reconcile, it allows you and your spouse to work through marital issues at a distance. it eliminates premature divorce filings.

How long should a trial separation last?

In order to keep your trial separation from morphing into a de facto divorce, youve got to put a limit on it. Most trial separations run for about six months. If youre apart too much longer than that, your chances of ever getting back together diminish enormously.

What are benefits of legal separation?

Since couples who separate are still legally married, they still enjoy the many benefits of marriage. Separated spouses are still entitled to participate in family health insurance plans, receive spousal retirement benefits, and take advantage of income tax benefits by filing a joint return.