For many couples who can no longer cohabitate, severing all marital ties is still not an option. Some states offer an official legal separation process, allowing spouses to stay married but live separate and apart.
New Jersey does not offer legal separation. However, an alternative called divorce from bed and board may meet your needs, providing a middle ground when a complete divorce is unsuitable.
Understanding divorce from bed and board
Also called a limited divorce, it is a process that allows couples to resolve many of the same issues they would in a standard divorce. Examples include child-related matters, spousal support and property division.
Once the court grants a divorce from bed and board, the couple remains legally married but may live separate lives. If you decide to make the split legal, you may convert the limited divorce into an absolute divorce by filing additional paperwork.
Benefits and considerations
One of the main advantages of a limited divorce is allowing a dependent spouse to maintain health insurance coverage through the other spouse’s employer. Another benefit is retaining legal marital status for those with religious objections to divorce.
The process of a divorce from bed and board can be just as complex as getting an absolute divorce. It involves legal decisions and spousal negotiations, making cooperation essential. The court must also approve the terms of a limited divorce before it is recognized.
If you are considering a divorce from bed and board, a family law representative can help you learn more. The right knowledge can improve your decisions and lead to a solution that works for you and your spouse.