What are the grounds for seeking a legal separation?

In Indiana, a married couple can seek a legal separation if there are grounds for a "divorce a mensa et thoro" (divorce from bed and board). This type of legal separation is requested when a couple wishes to remain legally married but live separately. In order to qualify, the spouse seeking the separation must prove "fault" on the part of the other spouse. The grounds for seeking a legal separation in Indiana are: 1. Abandonment for longer than one year: One spouse abandons the other and does not return by the end of the year. 2. Confinement in a mental institution: If one spouse has been confined for a mental disorder for at least 18 months, the other spouse may seek a legal separation. 3. Impotence: If the other spouse is physically unable to consummate the marriage, the other spouse may seek a legal separation. 4. Bigamy: If the other spouse remarried without divorcing the first spouse, the first spouse may seek legal separation. 5. Cruelty: If one spouse is cruel to the other, either mentally or physically, the other may seek a legal separation. 6. Adultery: If one spouse has an affair, the other may seek a legal separation. 7. Addiction: If one spouse has an addiction that affects the safety and wellbeing of the other, the other may seek a legal separation. However, under Indiana law, couples seeking a legal separation must still meet residency requirements, just like couples who are seeking a divorce. In order to file a petition for legal separation in Indiana, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months.

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What are the grounds for seeking a legal separation?

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