In terms of the legal work involved, there is little difference between the two. Most, if not all, of the issues involved in a divorce (child custody, support, division of assets and laibilities, etc.) also must be resolved in a legal separation. But legal separation does not end a marriage-it merely ends the existence of a couple’s community property status. As a result, after a legal separation is entered, spouses are, in fact, still married to one another. Legal separation can be a good option for couples if they are unsure they want the permanency of a divorce or if they prefer not to divorce for financial or religious reasons.