While other states allow for a legal separation where spouses are living separately and may or may not be responsible for paying support, Michigan is different in that there is not a legally defined separation. A couple may ask the court for separate maintenance. With separate maintenance, the couple is still married even though they may live separately. Property, spousal support, and child support and visitation all still need to be decided. If both parties agree to the terms, the process of separate maintenance can be relatively painless. But if there are disagreements or there is a great deal of property to deal with, having an attorney is a good idea.