A legal separation indicates you wish to start living as singles again with the intention of divorcing. If you choose to lead your spouse, it is critical that you do not do so. If you wish to leave the relationship with the intention of going to court, you must be upfront about it. Tell your spouse what you are doing and why. Make sure you are both on board with this plan and that there are no secrets between you. The first step in resolving your issues is to decide whether you want to go to court or work things out between yourselves. If you choose the court route, then you will need an attorney who can help you write up a petition. You will also need to set up a meeting with the judge so he or she can discuss your case with you. If you and your spouse want to resolve your issues through discussion and compromise, then you should start by talking to each other's parents and friends to see how they would feel about you getting a divorce. Some people believe that making peace between the two of you will make it easier for the judge to give you permission to separate. However, even when both parties agree on the divorce, it cannot be official until it has been signed by the judge. Divorce is a difficult process for anyone to go through, but it is especially hard for children. If you are thinking about asking for a separation, first talk to your spouse about your concerns.