When you and your spouse live in a home together while you are married, that home becomes the ‘matrimonial home.’ When married couples separate, and then divorce, there is a ‘presumption’, of equal sharing, meaning that each spouse will split their property, pensions, assets, debts, etc., 50/50 when they divorce. This includes the matrimonial home. In most circumstances, you still have a claim to the matrimonial home, even if you leave it when you separate from your spouse. You should speak with a lawyer for advice, though, to make sure of your rights and obligations when you separate from your spouse. It’s a good idea to talk with a lawyer before you leave, if you can.