It is not uncommon for partners who are going through marital strife to live apart for a while before taking the final step and filing for divorce. This can be a spontaneous act or something that is planned out in a measured fashion, but it is usually a good thing in either event. Divorce is a big step, and married couples are committed not just to themselves, but to their immediate and extended families. Severing these bonds is not something that should be taken lightly, and you will never know exactly how it would feel to live apart from your spouse unless you have actually had the experience. A trial separation provides you with a good idea of whether or not divorce is the best course of action.

Whenever a married couple gets divorced the problem of spousal support is among the terms that should be decided upon. If one of the partners was making a contribution by staying home and taking care of the children and managing the household while the other worked outside the home this person may require some financial support in the event of a divorce. Spousal support is usually agreed upon by the divorcing couple, and it may also be requested by the court. But what happens if the same financial situation exists when couples are living separately but not divorced?

In the majority of states the status of legal separation exists, but in Florida there is no such thing as legal separation. In spite of this, in several instances the court can be petitioned to order a payment known as separate maintenance that serves exactly the same purpose as spousal support but is paid when a couple is separated rather than divorced. Couples who choose to live separately may also enter into a private contractual agreement elucidating the terms of the separation with the assistance of a skilled Pensacola family attorney who has a background handling separate maintenance matters. 

If you have questions or concerns about divorce and separate maintenance proceedings, contact a Pensacola FL custody lawyer to arrange for a free consultation. The best divorce lawyer Pensacola FL will give you the help you need with all aspects of a Pensacola FL divorce.