When wondering how to file for legal separation, you simply must live separate lives, which doesn’t necessarily mean living in separate locations. So, yes, you can be legally separated while living in the same house. This is not a common outcome, as most people who go through a legal separation will want to have their own lives. This is difficult to do while living in the same house. However, some couples who go through a legal separation will want to continue living together because they are co-parenting their children or because they have financial concerns with trying to rent or purchase separate residences.