Does Khul' take effect simply by the wife's request for it, or does it only take effect when the husband utters the word of divorce, and what should the spouses do if they agree to reconcile after the request for Khul' and separation?

Khul' (divorce at the wife's instance, usually by compensation) or talaq (repudiation by the husband) does not occur merely by the wife's request. Rather, the husband must utter the formula of khul' or talaq, such as saying: "I have divorced you (through khul')" or "I have redeemed you for such-and-such," or "I have divorced you." The wife then says: "I accept" or "I agree." The mere separation of the husband from his wife does not result in divorce or khul'.