Living separate and apart means you no longer live like a couple. You can live in the same house and still be living separate and apart. Some factors that indicate spouses are living separate and apart are: you hardly communicate with your spouse you have separate bedrooms you do not have sex together anymore you do not help each other with household tasks you do not do activities together Usually, you must live separate and apart for one year before a judge will grant a divorce order. Last updated: March 2021