Legal Question in Family Law in California

Pretty much exactly the same way you get a divorce, only you check the legal separation box on the petition, instead of the dissolution of marriage box. Seriously. 99% of the people who say they are "legally separated" are not. You have to go through the same court process as a divorce as far as property division, spousal support determination, and custody and child support if applicable. The only difference is that at the end, you can't remarry, and if there are family, cultural or religious reasons not to be fully divorced, you can say you aren't.