Assalam u Alaikum,
I wanted to know if legal separation is allowed in Islam.
I am going through a lot of marital problems including verbal and physical abuse and no financial support from my husband for several years now. I have three kids and I have been supporting them by myself for more than 10 years. I also have a lot of emotional abuse from my husband since he does not get along with anybody and always suspicious of others trying to harm him, that includes family, friends and neighbors. Despite me assuring him that nobody is after him, he has filed police reports aginst friends and neighbors.
I want to end the relationship, but I am debating between divorce and legal separation.
If somebody can help me answer whether legal separation is acceptable in Islam, I would be grateful.
JazakAllah