A separation lawyer is often consulted by married couples who wish to separate. Though similar in some ways to divorce, separation allows people to remain legally married while living separate lives. There are many different reasons that couples may choose to separate instead of divorce, for example due to religious reasons or because of financial considerations. Separating couples regularly enter into separation agreements, which are legal contracts that outline the specific terms of the separation. A separation lawyer is often hired to help a couple agree on the terms of a separation agreement. The attorney will then draft the agreement, thus ensuring that the final contract is legally binding. Because the laws regarding separation often vary by state, couples should consult a separation lawyer in order to better understand how specific state laws apply to them.