Divorce and separation are two options available to couples who no longer wish to live together. A few states require a period of legal separation before one or both partners in a marriage can file a petition for divorce. Several states make no provision for legal separations. Some couples choose a long-term separation in lieu of a divorce in order to retain certain benefits such as medical insurance, pensions, or social security. Under a legal separation, visitation and child support can be arranged through the family court system. A legal separation provides some financial protections for spouses who are not able to agree on money related issues. However, creditors generally still try to hold one spouse accountable for the other's purchases and loans if these transactions are initiated before the actual divorce. This is true even if an individual does not live in a "community property" state. An informal separation based on a verbal agreement does not carry any safeguards at all.