A legal proceeding available in New Jersey permits a couple to be legally separated without formally dissolving the marriage. This type of separation, also known as a limited divorce, allows the parties to live apart while maintaining their marital status. Unlike absolute divorce, it does not grant either party the right to remarry. A decree addresses issues such as child custody, support, alimony, and property division, similar to an absolute divorce, but the marital bond remains intact.
This legal avenue may be pursued for various reasons. Some individuals might seek it due to religious beliefs that prohibit absolute divorce, while others may desire to maintain certain benefits associated with the marriage, such as health insurance coverage. Historically, it offered a way for couples to address marital discord without ending the marriage entirely, reflecting a more conservative approach to divorce laws. It provides a structured framework for separation while preserving the legal marital status.