Do you have to file for legal separation in order to be granted a divorce?
I know legally you have to maintain seperate residences for a year to be granted a divorce, just not sure of the legal steps
I’m not a lawyer but no, you just have to be separated for a year. No documentation necessary, they take your word for it.
You do not have to file any specific paperwork to prove that you are separated. If the other party contests the date of separation when you go to obtain a divorce, you will need to present testimony and evidence about the correct date of separation.