Separations refer to the process of dividing or moving apart entities that were previously connected. This can occur in various contexts, such as in relationships, where individuals may choose to live apart, or in scientific settings, where mixtures are separated into their components. In legal terms, separations often involve formal agreements between spouses to live separately while addressing issues like property division and child custody. This can be a precursor to divorce, allowing couples to evaluate their relationship without the immediate pressures of legal dissolution.