# Legally separated while in the same house?
**URL:** https://forum.rosen.com/t/legally-separated-while-in-the-same-house/6720
**Category:** Divorce and Separation Answers
**Created:** [November 6, 2008, 11:46pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/legally-separated-while-in-the-same-house/6720 "2008-11-06T23:46:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@athos](https://forum.rosen.com/u/athos)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2008, 11:46pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/legally-separated-while-in-the-same-house/6720/1 "2008-11-06T23:46:15Z")
As long as you live in the same house, you are technically not separated.
Now, having said that, if the room can only be accessed via the separate entrance and he’s not using any of the main house facilities, kitchen or bath, then there’s an argument to be made.
However, if it hasn’t been issued a separate address by the tax collector or 911 in the county in which you live, then it’s still technically the same residence because mail will go to the same place regardless of the setup. The addressing on the complaint (to & from being the same) would red flag someone in the court.
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### Author:  [@Helena\_Nevicosi](https://forum.rosen.com/u/Helena_Nevicosi)
#### Post date: [November 7, 2008, 1:27pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/legally-separated-while-in-the-same-house/6720/2 "2008-11-07T13:27:49Z")
Unless the garage is zoned as a separate apartment with a separate mailing address, separate utilities etc. this will not count as a separation.
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### Author:  [@Nan](https://forum.rosen.com/u/Nan)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2008, 10:57pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/legally-separated-while-in-the-same-house/6720/3 "2008-11-06T22:57:12Z")
My husband is now turning the room above the (attached) garage into an “apartment” with a separate entrance and bathroom. He plans to live there and claim we are separated while still living in the same house. Is this legal???
You can access the rest of the house through a door, and quite frankly, I am very uncomfortable (not to mention the kids’ confusion) at the idea of him living here for a year, and partying, and bringing women into the house, etc. What should I do?
He is currently paying the mortgage and electric bill, but has turned off the phone, and is turning off cable TV and internet. I have medical probs and have applied for disability and am currently a dependent spouse, and can not afford another place until ED is settled, which could take quite some time. Any advice?