What Is Date of Separation?

The date when a married couple effectively ends their relationship, which affects asset division.

The date of separation is the point at which a married couple's economic partnership is considered to have ended. This date is significant because it often determines which assets and debts are classified as marital (subject to division) and which are separate. Income earned and assets acquired after the date of separation may be considered separate property in many states. The date of separation can be defined differently depending on the state — some states consider it the date one spouse moves out of the marital home, while others look at when one spouse communicates the intent to end the marriage. In some states, the date of separation is when divorce papers are filed. Because significant financial changes can occur between separation and the final divorce decree, the date of separation can have a major impact on the overall financial settlement.

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