Generally speaking this is not a good idea. People file for Legal Separation for the following reasons: a) when they want to continue being married but separate assets and debts b) some people cannot divorce for religious reasons c) some people feel that it’s difficult to separate the emotional ties so they wish to do a 2-step approach i.e. file for Legal Separation and then divorce at a later date d) some people cannot decide on divorce so they may file a Legal Separation and then amend to a divorce e) some people are not living in the state long enough to file a divorce so they will file for Legal Separation (does not have the 6 month state residency requirement) so that issues can be resolved . The advantage of a Legal Separation would be that it would divide assets and debts as well as address child issues while you are thinking about ending the marriage.