If you tell someone close to you that you and your spouse have been thinking about a divorce, they may tell you to try a trial separation first. You don’t have to, of course, but it’s something that some people consider. Why would you do it?
The biggest reason is that it can allow you to evaluate your relationship with some distance. Maybe you’re just frustrated and fed up with each other. You need some time, and then you can both get back together and work on the issues. You don’t want to go through a divorce, only to find out that you could have fixed the marriage.
But does that actually work? Experts say that it can, but that it can certainly fail. To a large degree, it depends on what goals you and your spouse have and what you’re trying to accomplish.
If your goal really is to fix the marriage, you may be able to do it with this new perspective. If your goal is just to get a break from the daily grind of your relationship, though, the trial separation only feels like it’s working while you’re apart. You get the break you wanted. As soon as you get back together, though, all of the same issues will likely resurface, and it’s just a matter of time until you’re just as fed up as you were before.
Additionally, the trial separation may only serve to show you that you are indeed happier on your own and that you do want to get a divorce. If that’s how you feel, then it’s time to start looking into the legal options that you have. An experienced family law attorney can help.
