Is an extended separation helpful in reducing the divorce rate?

You often hear the voices advocating extending the separation period, and hoping that the warring couple will mend their differences. Then hopefully, the divorce rate would come down.
This theory requires some more of testing by our social engineers. But, from my life experience, separation often just delays the inevitable.
When a couple decides to split, the damage to their marriage is already significant. Probably some early counseling, or even a meeting with their lawyer would be more helpful.

Yes, I'm quite sceptical as to the efectiveness of adding a year or so, to the period of legal separation.
If anything, it will delay the process of normalization for both former partners, and put more stress on the marriage's children. Experimenting with lives of others should be done with a great lot of care.