Do Trial Separations Ever Really Work?

couple-wondering-if-trial-separation-will-work 6 Min Read

Contents

A Trial Separation Is Different Than A Legal Separation
When A Trial Separation Is A Good Idea
Does A Trial Separation Work To Make Things Better?
When A Trial Separation Is Not A Good Idea

“I’m so unhappy and confused! Mike and I can’t even be in the same room without arguing anymore.”

“I’m so sorry, Wendy. What are you going to do? Do you still love him?”

“Yes, I think I do - I don’t even know anymore. I think we may need to separate. I’m considering a trial separation, but do trial separations really work?”

Does Wendy sound like anyone you know? Maybe you yourself can identify with her situation. If so, you wouldn’t be the first person in a difficult relationship to wonder if trial separations work.

The truth is a trial separation can be tricky, but it can also be a useful tool for couples that are struggling and trying to avoid breaking up or divorce. Of course, there are a number of things to consider before you jump in. Making a trial separation work requires setting it up correctly and the agreement of both partners on expectations and boundaries.

A Trial Separation Is Different Than A Legal Separation

If you are married, the first thing to realize is that a trial separation is not the same thing as a legal separation.

This is important because the legal requirements of marriage governing property, purchases, debts, etc. still apply during a trial separation whereas in a legal separation there may be agreed upon changes to those obligations.

A trial separation is really an agreement between partners to spend time apart in order to determine the future of the relationship. In most cases couples who enter trial separations have hope that they can reset and reconcile.

Sometimes a little distance can help you gain perspective and see things in a more rational light. But in order for a trial separation to really work and not cause additional turmoil partners will need to come to agreement on how it will be structured and lay down some ground rules.

When A Trial Separation Is A Good Idea

Although a trial separation isn’t the same as a legal separation, it’s still a big step. Most trial separations include living apart, changes to children’s schedules, and autonomy for partners that they may be unaccustomed to navigating.

No matter how you slice it these are big changes and shouldn’t be entered into lightly. So, how do you really know when a trial separation is the best step for you?

If you have become unhappy and disillusioned with your relationship, it’s hard to know what to do next. Many married couples immediately jump to the idea of divorce, but divorce should really be the very last resort for an unhappy marriage.

Marriage is tough.

Most couples really don’t understand how tough it can be when they say, “I do.” And it can be cyclical with ups and downs, good times and bad – hence the verbiage in the standard vows. But when you are tangled up in disagreements over finances, kids, or life in general, it can be hard step back and say, “this too shall pass.”

And if there are bigger problems like infidelity, emotional affairs, or abuse, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be even more difficult. Finding a way to make things better and get a healthy balance back can be difficult. In these cases, a trial separation may be the best choice for you, especially if you believe deep down that you still love your partner.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy though.

Does A Trial Separation Work To Make Things Better?

Making a trial separation work requires something that you are probably already struggling with – good communication. It’s not as simple as one partner packing up one day and moving out, although too often it begins this way.

For a trial separation to be beneficial a couple needs to sit down and have a rational conversation about the expectations. Things that need to be considered are:

Length of time. A trial separation shouldn’t be entered into as an open-ended arrangement. Agreeing on a length of time, or cooling off period, will help each partner stay motivated and on track with their efforts to get to the next step which is hopefully reconciliation. There is no perfect length of time but thinking in terms of weeks or months is better than years.
Children and schedules. If you have children, they should be a big consideration in this process. From determining how to explain things to them to where they spend their time, you and your partner owe it to your children to make things as painless as possible. Finding a way to create as little disruption to their lives as possible should be your goal. No matter what you do, seeing their parents separate will be difficult and scary for them and require your patience and reassurance.
Money. Although you may be living apart, your financial responsibilities to the life you have formed together remain the same in a trial separation. If you want to make changes to the way you have been operating you should have a clear conversation, come to agreement, and write it down. As money is one of the biggest sources of marital problems and arguments, chances are that getting to this point involved money in some way to begin with. Don’t make it worse by ignoring this conversation when entering into a trial separation.
Rules of autonomy. Living apart doesn’t mean you are single. So, it also doesn’t mean that you are free to date and start new relationships. If your choice to enter a trial separation was even partially motivated by a cheating spouse, laying out expectations and ground rules for this new situation is crucial. Dating while separated is a quick way to sink any possibility of making your trial separation work.
Efforts toward making things better. The objective for a trial separation is to sort out how you feel about it each other and figure out what’s next for you as a couple. To this end, the two of you should have an idea about what you will do to make things better. Maybe this means initiating weekly date nights after a cooling off period. Making a trial separation work should really include couples counseling in some form as well.
Agreed upon next steps. Once you have defined a general time frame and the efforts you will put into making a trial separation work for you as a couple, the next thing you need to do is determine what will happen once you have reached the end of that time frame. This is especially important if one of you is less convinced about the benefits of a trial separation than the other. Agreeing on the options you will consider at the end of the predetermined time will help you be prepared for a meaningful conversation once you reach that point.

Most importantly, use this time to break destructive cycles and create new behaviors. If you have reached the point in your relationship where a trial separation is a good idea you each bear responsibility. Although one partner may have more to work on than the other, you will each need to examine your part in getting here.

Understand that these are guidelines and not rules for making a trial separation work.

If at the end of the agreed upon time you each feel like you need more time, then take it. All of these can be modified to meet the needs of the individual couple. Just make sure that as you enter a separation you do your best to maintain open and purposeful communication. You may find that professional marriage counseling is invaluable in helping you set these boundaries, learn new communication skills, and resolve the problems necessary to make a trial separation really work.

Couples often seek Dr. Kurt’s advice on trial separations. He offered this perspective on the usefulness of a trial separation,

Whenever I mention the possibility of a trial separation to a couple almost always at least one them asks how that can work to bring them together when they're going to be apart. For example, 'If I'm making changes how will she ever know if we're separated?' These are logical questions. And the answers are counter-intuitive, but being apart for a period of time can actually set the stage for being able to grow back together. Yes, it's possible that time apart could lead to deciding to be permanently apart. The opposite also happens too -- you get a wake up call about what's really important to you and what you value about the other person. Trial separations can work. They aren't meant to fix the relationship as much as create the desire, motivation, and circumstances that allow you to do so.”

When A Trial Separation Is Not A Good Idea

Although a trial separation can be a useful tool to gain perspective and make things better in your marriage, it’s not the right decision for everyone.

For a trial separation to work both partners need to be fully invested in the hope and possibility for success. If one partner is simply hoping to appease the other or trying to let them down easy while they plan a life on their own, a trial separation is a poor choice. It should never be used as an escape plan.

Or if trust is so broken or even non-existent that a separation will only fuel suspicions or opportunity for deception, other options to repair the relationship need to be considered.

So, to answer Wendy’s question, “Do trial separations really work?” the answer is yes, they can. When done correctly it’s very possible for a relationship to end up stronger than before. But they need to be handled correctly and both partners need to be on board with the way it’s structured. Without an agreed upon plan things will likely end up worse than where they began.