Some people want to end their marriages but may not desire a traditional divorce. Perhaps they rely on their spouse for health insurance and cannot risk losing coverage due to a chronic medical condition. Maybe they belong to a traditional religion or culture, and a divorce could lead to social isolation.
Those who need a degree of legal protection and separation from their spouses might hope to pursue a legal separation rather than a divorce. Some states allow legal separations in addition to divorces. Does New Jersey let spouses legally separate without officially divorcing?
New Jersey offers an alternative to absolute divorce
Spouses who want to live separately but who do not want to divorce have an option. New Jersey does not offer legal separation by that name. However, spouses may be able to pursue a similar form of legal protection known as divorce from bed and board.
Spouses live separately, divide their assets and address any shared parental responsibilities. They are still legally married, which means neither spouse can remarry. However, spouses do not reside together or share responsibility for one another’s legal or financial decisions.
For those who cannot divorce completely, a divorce from bed and board may be the best option available. Legal guidance is typically necessary, as spouses must address many of the same issues that arise in a divorce.
Reviewing marital circumstances and what led to a desire for legal separation or a divorce from bed and board with a skilled legal team can help people understand their options. New Jersey can help people separate without formally terminating a marriage and exposing themselves to criticism or the loss of health insurance coverage.