SEPARATE MAINTENANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Separate maintenance refers to a legal arrangement in which a married couple decides to live apart while still remaining legally married. This term is primarily used in family law and divorce cases. It allows a couple to establish separate households and separate their finances while still fulfilling certain marital obligations.
In a separate maintenance arrangement, the couple may agree to live apart for various reasons such as irreconcilable differences or conflicts that cannot be resolved. This voluntary decision to separate usually involves legal documentation that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Unlike divorce, the marriage is not dissolved through separate maintenance, meaning the couple remains legally married.
The key aspects of a separate maintenance agreement typically include the division of assets, determination of financial support, and child custody arrangements if applicable. Each spouse may be responsible for their own living expenses and debts, and the court may order one spouse to provide financial support to the other. Child custody and visitation rights are also determined, ensuring that the best interests of the children are maintained.
Separate maintenance serves as an alternative to divorce for couples who may have religious, social, or financial reasons for not wanting to end their marriage. It allows the couple to live separate lives while still benefiting from certain legal protections and marital rights.
Common Misspellings for SEPARATE MAINTENANCE
Etymology of SEPARATE MAINTENANCE
The word "separate maintenance" originated from the Latin word "separatus", which means "separate" or "set apart". "Maintenance" comes from the Latin word "manu tenere", which means "to hold or support by hand".
In legal and marital contexts, "separate maintenance" refers to a legal arrangement in which a married couple lives apart but the court orders one spouse to provide financial support or alimony to the other spouse. The term emphasizes the concept of separating or setting apart the living arrangements and financial responsibilities of the couple while still providing support to the dependent spouse.
