Legal Separation, is a legal process which differs based upon the states, in which the court grant a legal separation in the form of a court order.  During the separation period parties discuss and hopefully agree to the financial dividing of the assets accumulated during the marriage. The date on which you formally separate can affect your credit, pensions, property, and other assets.   Before that date you and your spouse are not yet divorced thus any financial transactions that take place during this time can affect both parties. There are different separation time periods that have to be followed based on different states.  When the separation date begins and how long the separation must last until a divorce is allowed is a question that must be asked to a skilled and knowledgeable divorce lawyer.