In Manitoba there is no need to prove grounds for separation. Any married person may separate. There is no requirement that the parties be officially separated by court order or agreement as a prelude to divorce.

Relief under the Family Maintenance Act

On application for a separation a spouse can seek many forms of relief including the following on an interim or final basis, under the Family Maintenance Act, such as:

-Custody
-Child Support
-Spousal Support
-Enforcement of Support
-Sole Occupancy of the Marital Residence.
-Postponement of Sale of the Marital Residence
-Restraining Orders

Joining in other proceedings

Applications under the F.M.A. can be joined or consolidated with other actions in family law, including under for divorce or an accounting of family property, for example.