Can you stay with a close friend or family member for say an initial one month trial separation, to give both of you the time and space to meditate upon the next step?

I think, in such instances it's deemed preferable that contact is kept at a minimum. A friend of mine did this prior to divorcing her husband - she found it most helpful.

She also with-held a contact address or number from her husband, to ensure she had the mental space she needed to gain perspective on the situation.