united-states divorce
What does &quot;lived together as man and wife&quot; mean?
<p>In a divorce complaint, there is a line that says "they separated and have not lived together as man and wife since that date." What does that mean?</p>

<p>Not actually living together? Living together but neither people consider themselves man and wife? They're not having sex?</p>

<p>"<em>Living together as man and wife</em>" means actually living together under the same roof <em>and</em> being in personal relationship.</p>

<p>Therefore, to prove "<em>not living together as man and wife</em>" it is sufficient to prove that the pair either or both 1) are not living together; 2) are not in personal relationship.</p>

<p>What evidences "being in personal relationship"? Shared budget, joint ownership of bank accounts/property, mail addressed to the two names, travelling together, being seen going out together etc. Having regular sex together is also a good indicator, though it may be difficult to prove either way. So, if none of this happens, it is a good indicator that the separated are not living together as man and wife.</p>
