Limited divorce, recognized in North Carolina, is a court-ordered separation where a couple remains legally married but obtains a judgment outlining specific rights and responsibilities. For example, a judge might determine alimony payments, child custody arrangements, and property division, all while the marriage continues to exist in the eyes of the law. This differs significantly from absolute divorce, which terminates the marital union.
This legal separation offers certain advantages. It provides a formal framework for managing finances and parental duties during a period of separation, without irrevocably ending the marriage. Historically, it served as a recourse for individuals in strained marriages who, for religious or personal reasons, did not wish to pursue absolute divorce. It can also provide a legal basis for separate residences and financial independence while maintaining certain marital benefits, such as health insurance coverage, depending on the specifics of the situation and policy.
