Legal Definitions - Separation

Definition: Separation refers to the end of any contractual relationship, such as a work contract. In family law, it refers to a situation where spouses live apart from each other due to a court order or mutual agreement.

• After working for the company for 10 years, John's separation from the company was unexpected.
• After years of marital problems, Jane and Tom decided to separate and live apart from each other.

The first example illustrates separation in a work context. John's employment contract with the company has ended, and he is no longer working for them. The second example illustrates separation in a family law context. Jane and Tom have decided to live apart from each other, either through a court order or mutual agreement.