Hello,

My wife and I have been living together, but separated by sleeping arrangements for the past 3-4 years. Are we considered separated if we are not sleeping in the same bed or really communicating for that many years? FYI, I tolerated this arrangement as she was still civil. She also cooked (or ordered out), cleaned and did my laundry. We got along enough to raise our children but has recently filed papers with the court for custody of the kids and temporarily kicked me out of the house causing us to be separated according to family court.

Just wondering if the living situation determines a potential earlier separation date.