The answer to this question is not an easy one as it depends on several factors. The very first thing people should do is to check local laws in the state they are residing for knowing more about legal separation periods. The laws may be different from one state to another with respect to the time period for which you and your spouse should be separated to file for your divorce. Thus, it makes sense to consult a lawyer or do some research on the state where you live beforehand. Apart from these reasons, there are emotional and psychological elements determining how long the couple would like to stay separately before taking the final step. There are many couples for instance who are legally separated for several years and do not intend to begin the divorce process.
Is your decision to divorce your spouse clear? There could be several reasons for a couple to decide for a separation. Plus, there could be different outcomes coming out of a legal separation. On various occasions, couples decide that they should reunite and even find that their relationship has evolved to be stronger than ever before. On the other hand, there are couples who realize that the process of separation further escalated the stress and conflicts in their marriage. Some couples find out that the period of separation made them experience emotions like shock, denial or numbness. Very often, it is natural for the estranged couples to go through a roller coaster of feelings during their separation when their divorce proceeding starts. Human temperaments can be quite volatile. So it is not unusual to lose emotional control. Thus, for some couples reaching a final decision may be a difficult one to make. You and your partner can take as much time as you both want to provided it is witin your state’s legal guidelines. On the other hand, some clients are known to complain that the process is too lengthy, particularly when somebody is clear about going ahead with a divorce.
It is important to take care of the logistics It is another crucial factor, which has a role to determine how long a separation should last prior to start divorce proceedings. Some of the logistic factors, which may drag the time period of a separation include illness of a family member and when a spouse needs to stick to a certain healthcare plan. Irrespective of how brief or lengthy a separation period is, it can be quite stressful for several couples. So, it makes sense to create or join new options for social support during this trying period.