Try Long-Term Separation Instead of Divorce?

For many married couples that split up, divorce seems like the most logical option. However, an article on NYTimes.com explores the trend of long-term separation instead of divorce. The story gives examples of husbands and wives who, after decades of being together, decided to go their separate ways. Reasons for keeping their married statuses range from not wanting to go through an ugly divorce battle and staying married for the kids to keeping the financial and healthcare benefits that marriage provides. Marriage therapist Sharon O’Neil says the recession may be one reason why these couples are not quick to file divorce papers. “The financial collapse has made people say, ‘let’s not rush into a divorce, let’s see if we can make something else work,'” O’Neill told NYTimes. There are emotional and social benefits, too. Some of the couples that have separated still attend events together as Mr. and Mrs. and even take vacations with each other.