Who determines "legitimate reasons"? Far as I know, the Bible says only adultery is "legitimate". The catholic "church" says otherwise.
A man or woman who sincerely fears for his safety or the safety of his children can certainly live apart from his spouse without waiting for counsel from clergy. The preservation of human life takes priority.
The Church, "the pillar and foundation of truth," has the power to "bind and loose," i.e., indisputable ecclesial authority, and has the authority to lay out the principles for a valid separation.
But the Church does not grant divorces and encourages couples to do whatever is reasonably possible to repair their marriages.
Far as I know, the Bible says only adultery is "legitimate". The catholic "church" says otherwise.
According to Catholic Answers, the meaning of the term, "pornea" is debated among Scripture scholars. Regardless,
Jesus’ and Paul’s constant and forceful teaching about the permanence of sacramental marriage as recorded elsewhere in Scripture makes it clear that Jesus was not making an exception in the case of valid, sacramental marriages. The constant teaching of the Catholic Church attests to this as well.
Where in the Bible does it say that a wife has to stay with her husband until he kills her? Because that has happened...