A legal separation is also an option for couples who for legal, religious, or practical reasons decide that permanent separation is a better choice than divorce. One spouse with major health issues may want to stay on the other’s health insurance plan or government benefits. Some religions do not approve of divorce, and the couple may wish to remain part of that particular church or other religious institution. Couples simply do not have the financial means to divorce. One party has an alcohol or substance addiction and the other wishes to create a financial boundary. Tax benefits, such as capital gains taxes on the sale of a primary residence, may also be a factor in choosing a legal separation