Navigating Separate Maintenance and Divorce from Bed and Board in West Virginia When a marriage faces insurmountable challenges, many couples in West Virginia consider paths other than immediate, absolute divorce. While the term "legal separation" is commonly used in other states to describe a formal arrangement where spouses live apart but remain married, West Virginia law does not explicitly recognize "legal separation" as a distinct statutory action. Instead, the Mountain State offers similar outcomes through processes known as "separate maintenance" or "divorce from bed and board." These legal avenues allow couples to formalize their separation, address crucial family law issues, and establish separate lives while remaining legally married. Understanding these options is vital for anyone contemplating a formal separation in West Virginia. What are Separate Maintenance and Divorce from Bed and Board? In essence, "se...