Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Man Is Getting Remarried While Divorce Is Not Done, Wife Decides To Let Him Face The Consequences
Woman in a pink sweater looking confused, wondering about explaining separation and divorce differences to her husband

Man Is Getting Remarried While Divorce Is Not Done, Wife Decides To Let Him Face The Consequences

37

ADVERTISEMENT

Separation and divorce are not the same thing. Let’s repeat it again, louder, so that everyone can hear: separation and divorce are NOT the same thing! But alas, some folks don’t quite get the difference. And it can lead to some truly hilarious and embarrassing moments.

Internet user u/3rin_123 went viral on the TwoHotTakes subreddit when she revealed that her ex, whom she’s separated but not divorced from, is currently in the midst of planning a “full-on wedding.” Check out the full story below, and don’t forget to read how the internet reacted to the bonkers situation. Bored Panda has reached out to the author, and we’ll update the article as soon as she gets back to us.

RELATED:

    It can be a very peculiar thing to learn that your ex-spouse, whom you’re only separated from, thinks that you’re legally divorced

    Woman in a pink sweater wondering if she should explain that separation and divorce are not the same to her husband

    Image credits: kues1 / freepik (not the actual photo)

    That’s what happened to this woman. She revealed how her ex is about to get married again, and shared her confusion online

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman wondering if she should explain to her husband that separation and divorce are not the same legal status.

    Text excerpt about a woman considering explaining to her husband that separation and divorce are not the same.

    Text on white background showing a woman wondering if she should explain to her husband that separation and divorce differ.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman in a gray sweater holding and interacting with a smartphone, reflecting on separation and divorce differences.

    Image credits: Tim Samuel / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text excerpt discussing fake wedding and child support, with a woman wondering about explaining separation versus divorce to husband.

    Text graphic with a humorous quote about googling the legalities of accidental polygamy and a happy couple.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Close-up of a woman holding wedding rings, reflecting on separation and divorce differences with her husband.

    Image credits: Doğukan Benli / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    She later posted an update about how she’s planning on dealing with the situation

    Text post about a woman reflecting on separation and divorce, contemplating if she should explain the difference to her husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman sitting thoughtfully, considering how to explain separation and divorce differences to her husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text excerpt about a woman considering whether to explain to her husband that separation and divorce are different.

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband that separation and divorce are not the same in relationship context.

    Text excerpt showing a woman expressing happiness and reflecting on separation and divorce differences.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman sitting thoughtfully, contemplating whether to explain to her husband that separation and divorce differ.

    Image credits: 3rin_123

    Though they might sound similar, separation and divorce are fundamentally different things

    Separation refers to a period of time when a couple lives separately. They are still considered to be legally married. Essentially, this provides space for the possibility of reconciling after some time. Or, if things don’t work out, they can then file for divorce.

    Meanwhile, divorce means that you legally completely dissolve and end your marriage. This can involve child custody and support, and divvying up the couple’s assets.

    According to MetLife, a separation agreement is a legal contract that outlines the terms and responsibilities of the separation. For instance, the agreement can touch upon spouses’ division of property, allocating parental responsibilities, child custody and support, etc.

    When a couple separates, they can decide to keep their spouse covered under insurance plans. This coverage is lost after divorce.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Furthermore, separation rather than divorce means that the couple can file taxes jointly. On top of that, separated couples are, in some areas, considered to be next-of-kin and can make legal and medical decisions.

    During separation, debts, liabilities, and property ownership are typically left untouched.

    MetLife explains that you may want to choose separation over divorce if you:

    • Don’t feel ready to end your marriage yet
    • Want to maintain insurance and financial benefits
    • Need time to come to an agreement and prepare to file for divorce

    You can have a peaceful, amicable divorce. However, it requires proper communication and maturity on both sides

    Divorce.com points out that it’s certainly possible to have a peaceful, healthy divorce where you protect your time and money while avoiding stress. The key is to focus on communication, compromise, and pacing.

    “You don’t need to rush into filing for divorce the moment you’ve decided to end your marriage, even in the case of an amicable separation,” Divorce.com states. “The act of seeking a divorce isn’t going to repair any hurt, stress, or anxious feelings you’re experiencing as a result of your marriage ending. Healing from the breakup of your relationship is an entirely separate process, and it’s something you should start before you begin the emotional labor of getting a divorce.”

    While it’s possible that you and your ex-spouse might become friends after your divorce, this won’t happen automatically. Nor is it a given. You may need some healthy distance from each other first. Focus on building your new life first, and then set up some healthy boundaries.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “Unless there’s a pressing reason for you to complete your divorce quickly, slow the process down. You only need to follow the court’s timeline if you’ve filed for contested divorce. If you plan to file for uncontested divorce, you’re free to make decisions at your own pace. You don’t need to file your divorce papers until you’re both ready.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    For example, you should give yourself permission to take breaks from any important discussions with your ex. Take a step back. Create some space. Come back to the topic when you’re both calm, cool, and collected, instead of frustrated.

    And above everything, be willing to communicate and compromise. “Successful compromises are often the result of listening as much as you talk,” Divorce.com suggests.

    Though you can’t control how your ex will respond in certain situations, you can control how you respond. “Don’t focus on what they’re doing. Focus on what you’re doing. If you remain peaceful and refuse to engage with emotional or combative tactics, your ex won’t get anything accomplished. They’ll eventually realize that their communication style isn’t getting them anywhere.”

    What are your thoughts, Pandas? How would you react if your ex suddenly started planning a wedding while you still weren’t divorced, just separated? What would you do if you were in the viral post author’s shoes? You can share your thoughts in the comments below.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Later, the woman clarified a few important details in the comments

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce in a thoughtful message.

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce.

    Text discussing the difference between separation and divorce, and advice for women on legal precautions.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman wondering if she should explain to her husband that separation and divorce are legally different concepts

    The bizarre situation got a lot of people’s attention. Here’s what they told the author of the post

    Screenshot of a forum post discussing whether a woman should explain to her husband that separation and divorce differ.

    Comment text discussing whether to explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce in a relationship context.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman sitting pensively, contemplating how to explain the difference between separation and divorce to her husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman ponders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce in a text conversation.

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce in a thoughtful moment.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce.

    Comment explaining the legal difference between separation and divorce, advising caution in discussing with husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman wondering if she should explain to her husband that separation and divorce are different legal statuses.

    Woman looking thoughtful, considering how to explain that separation and divorce are different to her husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text post on a forum with a user discussing the difference between marriage services and legal registration implications.

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce in a thoughtful discussion.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman looking thoughtful while wondering if she should explain separation and divorce differences to her husband

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Woman wondering if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce.

    Comment suggesting reporting someone for bigamy if illegal, with a humorous tone.

    Woman sitting pensively, considering how to explain the difference between separation and divorce to her husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text post on a social media platform advising someone should explain separation versus divorce to a woman.

    Woman sits thoughtfully wondering if she should explain to her husband that separation and divorce differ.

    Woman wonders if she should explain to her husband the difference between separation and divorce in a thoughtful moment.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Text message conversation on a phone screen about whether to explain separation and divorce differences to her husband.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Poll Question

    Total votes ·

    Thanks! Check out the results:

    Total votes ·
    Share on Facebook

    Explore more of these tags

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Writer, Senior Writer

    Read more »

    Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

    Read less »
    Jonas Grinevičius

    Jonas Grinevičius

    Writer, Senior Writer

    Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

    What do you think ?
    Sue Ellen
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I would just inform my divorce lawyer. He or she could drop that little tidbit during the divorce court proceedings.

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if it's just a Pinterest wedding, getting married in record time BEFORE your divorce simply means that someone is anxious to seal the deal or prove that they've moved on. Rather ridiculous, imo.

    Zoe Vokes
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was wondering what the rush was. Maybe she’s pregnant and they want to get “married” (have the wedding) before she starts showing or gives birth and they know that the divorce will probably take too long. Maybe as others suggested, they are not filling in the wedding certificate yet.

    Load More Replies...
    Adrianna Wyld
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Years ago my uncle married a woman with two small children. Five years before this, she had married a young sailor. She and the sailor had two children. While married to the sailor he was thrown in the brig for BIGAMY. After consulting with a lawyer and obtain full custody of the children, she and the kids moved back to her home town. She went to work as a cashier in a grocery store and met my uncle. They married and my uncle adopted the children.

    Load More Comments
    Sue Ellen
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I would just inform my divorce lawyer. He or she could drop that little tidbit during the divorce court proceedings.

    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if it's just a Pinterest wedding, getting married in record time BEFORE your divorce simply means that someone is anxious to seal the deal or prove that they've moved on. Rather ridiculous, imo.

    Zoe Vokes
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was wondering what the rush was. Maybe she’s pregnant and they want to get “married” (have the wedding) before she starts showing or gives birth and they know that the divorce will probably take too long. Maybe as others suggested, they are not filling in the wedding certificate yet.

    Load More Replies...
    Adrianna Wyld
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Years ago my uncle married a woman with two small children. Five years before this, she had married a young sailor. She and the sailor had two children. While married to the sailor he was thrown in the brig for BIGAMY. After consulting with a lawyer and obtain full custody of the children, she and the kids moved back to her home town. She went to work as a cashier in a grocery store and met my uncle. They married and my uncle adopted the children.

    Load More Comments
    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Popular on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT