Separation is when a couple starts living apart because their marriage is ending. There is no such thing as a legal separation; spouses are still married when they are separated. As soon as couples start living apart, they are considered separated. You don't need your spouse's permission to start living separately. And, some couples choose to separate but still live in the same house.

This is an agreement that creates rules around your relationship while the details of a final divorce are worked out. It can cover things like support and who uses what property. If it is difficult to come to an interim agreement, a court or arbitrator can make an interim order until the divorce is granted.

Being in a common-law relationship does not mean that you are married, but it does mean you have a lot of the legal rights and obligations of a married couple. So, determining if you are in a common-law relationship can be important in understanding your rights and responsibilities. While separation ends a common-law relationship, it may not end the complex issues related to the end of the relationship.