The spelling of "separate maintenances" may seem confusing, but it is actually quite phonetic. The word "separate" is spelled as expected, with the /s/ sound at the beginning, followed by the schwa vowel /ə/ and the voiceless dental fricative /s/ sound. The plural form of "maintenance" adds an extra syllable, voiced dental fricative /n/, and the schwa vowel /ə/. So, the pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈsɛp.ə.ɹət ˈmeɪn.tə.nəns.əz/.
Separate maintenance refers to a legal arrangement in which a married couple agrees to live separately while still remaining legally married. Also known as separate maintenance agreements or separation agreements, it allows couples to address various aspects of their separation, such as child custody, property division, and financial obligations, without going through a formal divorce process.
This arrangement is typically sought when couples have decided to separate but for various reasons, such as religious beliefs, personal preferences, or financial considerations, they do not wish to dissolve their marriage. Separate maintenances provide a way for the spouses to live apart and lead independent lives while maintaining certain legal and financial responsibilities towards each other.
In a separate maintenance agreement, couples can outline terms related to child support, spousal support, visitation rights, and property distribution. These agreements are usually prepared with the assistance of attorneys to ensure that both parties' rights and interests are protected. Once the agreement is finalized and approved by the court, it becomes legally binding, and both spouses must adhere to its terms.
It is important to note that separate maintenance should not be confused with legal separation, which is recognized in some jurisdictions as a formal status distinct from marriage. While separate maintenance allows couples to separate their lives and responsibilities, they remain legally married and, therefore, cannot remarry someone else unless they subsequently obtain a divorce.
The term "separate maintenances" does not have a commonly established etymology as it is not a widely recognized or used term. It appears to be a phrase created by combining the words "separate" and "maintenances", which both have independent etymologies.
"Separate" originates from the Latin word "separatus", which means "separated" or "set apart". It has been used in English since the 15th century.
"Maintenance" comes from the Old French word "maintenance" or "manutengeon", meaning "support" or "upkeep". It entered English in the 14th century.
However, it is important to note that the specific term "separate maintenances" may have a different context or meaning within a specific field or domain which could affect its etymology.