Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of separate maintenance?

Separate maintenance refers to legal arrangements that allow for a spouse to receive financial support while living apart from the other spouse, without necessarily dissolving the marriage. This arrangement can include support for both spouses and children and is often pursued when one partner seeks financial assistance during a separation but does not want to formally divorce.

The correct answer emphasizes that a key characteristic of separate maintenance is that it does not involve the legal dissolution of marriage. Unlike divorce, which terminates the marital relationship, separate maintenance preserves the marriage while still addressing the needs of the parties involved. In contrast, support for children and spouses, as well as assistance during separation, are integral features of separate maintenance agreements.