None of us ever set out on the path of marriage with the expectation that we will later be confronted with separation and divorce. We know that it happens to lots of other couples, but we never really think that it will ever happen to us!

The resulting ‘bad divorces’ harm everyone and serve no one well. Applying for a divorce is a big deal, which should not be done impulsively or without having a good deal of thought. Getting separated from the one, whom we loved once, is painful. No individual who has a heart could afford to do that easily. It pains the hearts as well as the brains too. One must handle such sensitive issues very carefully. If planned well, separation could be made with less pain; it is easily possible if there is mutual consent and sufficient necessary arrangements have already been made to settle the disputes. Separation agreement provides a strong platform for this. Separation deeds are used where parties do not want to divorce straightaway but want to settle various other issues that arise out of their separation. A Separation Agreement is nothing but drafting settlement terms in a contract between those couples who are unhappy and who want to separate by breaking down their marriage. The most important thing in a separation agreement is that it should include arrangements for children and financial settlement terms. It is always less expensive than moving to the court. One should use a solicitor to draft the terms and conditions in the agreement. As it is a final settlement, suitable and precise coining of words becomes important. Both the husband and the wife should sign the document. The consensus is the absolute legal declaration of the end of most marriages. Even the couples can choose trial separation by which the couples live apart for a test period, to decide whether or not to separate permanently. Even if they do not unite together, the assets they accumulate and debts they incur during the trial period are usually considered jointly-owned. A trial separation is very informal and can be reversed at any time if the couple decides that a divorce is not wanted or needed. It does not involve lawyers, paperwork, and division of property, custody issues, and court system. They divide money and assets - everything according to their wish whereas in a legal separation the parties will approach a lawyer to work out the guardianship of children and other issues.

Since a legal separation is almost as pricey as a divorce, this option is usually used when couples have a religious objection to a formal divorce or when one spouse must remain legally married for a reason such as maintaining health insurance coverage. Trial separation is a common phenomenon which anyone can practise if they have mutual consent. The other being, ‘living apart’ which means spouses who no longer reside in the same house are said to be living apart. Couples who are uncertain of divorcing their better-halves can opt either of the ways to save their marriage. It is a way by which couples decide whether the divorce is required or not. Though it is not a must before divorce, it permits the couple to experience life separately without the hassles of a divorce. If a husband and wife agree that their marriage might be saved and they want to live together, the two can plan to attend marriage counseling and thus save their marriage. James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on online Divorce see http://www.managed-divorce.co.uk

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