A legal separation is an alternative to divorce. Some couples who choose this alternative do so as way to bring some closure to a relationship without having to completely end the marriage.
In California, spouses that have decided to separate may enter into a “separation agreement,” which is a legally binding contract that deals with all aspects of their separation, including issues of child support and visitation (if there are children), property division and alimony.
A benefit of a separation agreement over an official “legal separation,” is you don’t have to go to court to enter into a separation agreement with your spouse.