Legal Separation vs. Divorce
What is the difference between a legal separation and a divorce.
Legal Separation and Divorce follow the exact same process, and resolve the same issues including custody, visitation, property division, maintenance and child support, but a decree of legal separation results in the partners still being married rather than divorced. Some reasons why people choose to remain legally separated rather than divorced include religious opposition to divorce, retention of health insurance coverage, and indecision as to whether or not they want to actually terminate the marriage but want to protect themselves in the meantime.
If you choose to file for legal separation, once a decree of legal separation is issued, you must wait 6 months prior to converting it to a decree of dissolution of marriage.