seek separation

[siːk ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən]
verb phrase
buscar separação
1. to attempt to obtain legal separation from a spouse; to initiate proceedings to live apart from one's partner while remaining legally married
After years of conflict, the couple decided to seek separation.
Após anos de conflito, o casal decidiu buscar separação.
2. to pursue or desire the end of a relationship or living arrangement with another person
They sought separation to work on their personal issues.
Eles buscaram separação para trabalhar em seus problemas pessoais.
In Brazil, separation is a legal status distinct from divorce, allowing couples to live apart while remaining legally married. This is an important legal distinction in Brazilian family law. In the USA, separation procedures vary by state and can be an interim step before divorce or a permanent arrangement. The phrase is commonly used in legal, counseling, and family contexts in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
file for separationpursue separationrequest a separationinitiate separation proceedings
Antonyms / Antônimos
reconcilereuniteseek marriagestay together

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
buscar separação
Standard legal and colloquial usage
Rio de Janeiro
procurar separação
Alternative common usage
São Paulo
solicitar separação
More formal, legal context
Portugal
procurar separação
Standard European Portuguese usage

Related Words

legal separationdivorcemarital dissolutionseparation agreementcustodyalimony

Related Idioms & Phrases

go their separate ways
part ways
call it quits
file papers
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →