For religious reasons, to divide finances and consider the relationship anew, or to maintain benefits as the other spouse’s dependent. For example, some health insurance policies may continue to cover the spouse as a “dependent” after a Decree of Legal Separation has been entered, but would no longer apply once a Decree of Dissolution is entered. In that instance, the parties may start with a Legal Separation and convert it to a Dissolution after the six month period allowed by law, or longer if they agree. If one person wants a dissolution and the other wants a legal separation, the parties will not be required to get a legal separation.
WHY WOULD ANYONE FILE FOR A LEGAL SEPARATION?