The definition of ‘separated’
Separation means that two people who are married or in a registered partnership no longer live in the same house but in separate houses.
When are you regarded as ‘separated’?
You are regarded as ‘separated’ if:
- you or your partner no longer want to live together, and
- you live as though you were not together / not married, and
- this situation is permanent.
You and your partner are also regarded as ‘separated’ if one of you has made an application to the court for divorce.
If your divorce does not go through after all, please let us know
We will assess your situation
After you inform us that you have separated, we will assess your situation. It is not enough that you live at different addresses. For example, we also look at whether:
- you have stopped living together in the same house permanently
- you still contact each other, and if so, how often and for what purpose
- you have separate finances
- you still do things together, such as going on holiday or visiting family
- you care for each other in some way, for example you help each other if you are ill or have to go to the doctor, or you do the gardening or shopping for both of you, or for each other
Care that is regarded as necessary will not be taken into account. This is the case if you or your partner cannot manage without permanent assistance.