sentences:  Sometimes, an "a mensa et thoro" separation is used when one partner is claimed to be emotionally, verbally, or physically abusive, keeping the marriage in existence while the two spouses are physically separated.This physical separation may give the two of them a chance to work out the problems in their relationship while residing in legally sanctioned separate dwellings.Spouses may also request an "a mensa et thoro" separation to protect themselves from accusations of desertion or abandonment—such as in cases where one must depart from the other for an extended period of time.