Cutting ties with family members is never easy.  Whether you like it or not, you are bound for life, one way or another.  If this is something you are seriously considering then you must be cautious, because once you are estranged, she may never forgive you again. 

Here's my concern with parental estrangement: if you cut your mother out of your life, you potentially cut her out of the lives of all your present and future loved ones.  As much as you may dislike her, and presuming you have a spouse and/or children, I ask if you are actually prepared to forcibly cut her out of their lives as well?  Your children may grow to resent you for it, especially if they already have an established relationship with her.  I've seen it happen and it always makes for awkward holidays and a lot of family bickering.  In the event you have yet to bear children, I want you to imagine not having your mother's wisdom while going through pregnancy and motherhood.  These are all things to seriously consider before making a final decision.

You must figure out whether what she has done to you in the past is worthy of axing her from your life.  If it's as simple as a personality conflict then I can tell you you're making a huge mistake.  But sometimes it's not that simple.  Take Lindsay Lohan for example; she's a high-profile celebrity and her father insists on airing her dirty laundry for the world to read about.  He incessantly talks to the press and it's clear his only motive is money as opposed to his child's wellbeing.  Michael Lohan just doesn't grasp the concept of privacy, and unfortunately for Linds, every little problem of hers is magnified through a father who just can't keep his lips sealed and respect his family.  Most recently he even had the nerve to leak voicemail messages of her crying and in distress just to clear the air about his intentions as a father.  The only thing it verified is that Lindsay will probably never forgive him and remain estranged for life.  In a case like that, or even sexual and emotional abuse, I would say an estrangement is legitimized.  Some things are tough for a person to get past.  While you may forgive a parent for the harm they inflicted on you, you may never forget, which puts a strain on your relationship ultimately leading to other issues.  In that case, if seeking help has not alleviated your issues, then it could be best to move on.  In this case you must look out for yourself as there is no need to continuously open old wounds.  Sometimes, in order to ease our pain we just have to put everything attached to it behind us. 

So think long and hard about the nature of your relationship.  If you can look back and find value in it and see potential for the future then don't cut off all ties.  Talk to your mother about what it is that bothers you.  She might be more understanding than you think.  It's an awkward conversation to have but it could mean the difference between a healthy and horrible relationship.  Besides, the lasting affects a separation can have on the entire family could be detrimental to everyone's lives.  So again, I say be cautious and do everything you can to salvage what is left of the relationship before calling it quits.  After all, we're not talking about a two-year relationship with a man; we're talking about your mother.