Separation is a factual change in a relationship, not a court status that must be granted. Married spouses can remain legally married after separating, while common-law partners do not need a divorce. The consequences of separation can involve parenting, support, property, debts, agreements and court orders.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Separation date
The date spouses or partners begin living separate and apart can affect the chronology of a family matter and, for married spouses, the one-year separation basis commonly used for divorce.
- living separate and apart
- separation under one roof
- reconciliation periods
Immediate arrangements
Families often need short-term decisions about children, housing, bills, property and support before every long-term issue is resolved.
- temporary parenting arrangements
- interim support
- exclusive occupation of a residence
Separation agreements
A written agreement can record negotiated terms about parenting, support, property and debts. It does not itself end a marriage.
- financial disclosure
- independent legal advice
- registration or incorporation into an order
Married spouses
Separation and divorce are different legal events. A separated spouse remains married until a court grants a divorce.
- one-year separation
- divorce proceeding
- corollary relief
Common-law partners
Common-law relationships end without divorce, but rights and obligations concerning children, support, property and agreements can continue.
- cohabitation agreements
- support claims
- common-law property claims
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Separation/Divorce
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Separation for Married Couples
- Justice Canada — Divorce Act