The three types of separation are trial, permanent, and legal separation. Unlike legal separation, trial and permanent separation do not typically involve a legal process. They are meant to be more of an immediate step taken before a possible divorce. The biggest difference between trial and permanent is the effect it has on your assets. During a trial separation, assets are still marital property. When the trial becomes permanent, then any assets, debts, or property acquired during that time belongs only to the person who acquired them.