When it becomes apparent that a marriage is beyond repair, people automatically start thinking about divorce. Many people don't think about legal separation, but it may be an alternative for those who struggle to file for divorce even though their marriage seems to be over. It does a lot of the same things, but isn't a full divorce.

People sometimes seek a legal separation because they have religious beliefs that frown upon divorce, or they still love the other person, but cannot live with them any longer because of certain differences. A legal separation should be done properly to prevent any adverse financial side effects such as one spouse racking up debt or facing potential child support issues after the separation.

Many issues that are resolved through divorce can also be settled through this method. Legal separation can deal with division of assets, child support, alimony and retirement. If done properly it is a legally binding separation, meaning if one person violates the agreement there could be potential repercussions.

If the couple decides that legal separation just isn't enough in the future, or the couple wants to fully finalize their split, they can many times use their legal separation agreement as a solid base for the divorce negotiations. Because these agreements are legally binding, it might be wise to consult with an Illinois divorce attorney to make sure you don't regret the agreement later in life or realize that the terms of the separation aren't sufficient to sustain your needs in the future.

Source: Forbes, "Legal Separation or Divorce: Which is Better Financially?," Jeff Landers, Jan. 10, 2012