I am not in favor of this idea of separation. I believe that both spouses should stay together and live under one roof and be there for the kids.

 

Divorce is a decision that should be based on a conclusion that life cannot continue with such partner in life. If both came to such conclusion, then let them seek divorce properly.

 

Many people think of separation as a way to give people to think about matters of marriage or give time to be alone to ease hardships etc. Now that can happen if both spouses agree to but I doubt it will solve anything to be honest.

 

From my experience in counseling couples, it just pushes the problem for a period of time and prolongs disputes more and more.

 

So, in short, you do not need a separation period for divorce. A person can divorce once and keep his wife in her `Iddah period for three months in hope to reconcile but if nothing happened, it transforms into irrevocable (ba’in) divorce which is final.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.