A limited divorce, recognized in North Carolina, establishes a legal separation without dissolving the marital bond entirely. This judicial decree allows a couple to live apart while maintaining their legal status as married. For instance, a couple experiencing marital difficulties may seek this type of separation to address issues without immediately pursuing a full dissolution of marriage.
This legal avenue can be significant for individuals with religious objections to absolute divorce or for those who wish to retain certain marital benefits, such as health insurance coverage. Historically, it provided a formal framework for separation when absolute divorce was less accessible or socially acceptable. Its continued availability offers an alternative for managing marital disputes within a legal framework.