Legal separation is an alternative to divorce that allows married couples in North Dakota to live apart while formally resolving key legal issues, including child custody, spousal support, property division, and debt allocation — all without ending the marriage.

Under North Dakota Century Code § 14-06-01, a legal separation is a court-recognized status. Couples remain legally married but live separately under court-ordered terms. Separation is often used by those who are uncertain about divorce, need to maintain health insurance, or have religious or financial reasons for staying married.

Separation agreements can be temporary or long-term, and they carry the same legal weight as divorce settlements when it comes to support, parenting time, and property rights. If the couple later decides to divorce, many of the separation terms can be incorporated into the final divorce decree.

At Heartland Law Office, we help clients in Bismarck, Minot, Williston, and Dickinson negotiate and formalize separation agreements that protect their interests, avoid unnecessary conflict, and provide a foundation for a more stable future — whether reconciliation or divorce is the next step.