Source: https://www.howdoifilefordivorce.com/legalquestions/whatisadivorce.shtml
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 02:50:01+00:00

Document:
A dissolution of marriage is the termination of the marital relationship between a husband and wife. A decree of dissolution completely terminates the marital status of both parties. A legal separation is a court determination of the rights and responsibilities of a husband and wife arising out of the marital relationship. A decree of legal separation does not terminate the marital status of the parties. Please see specific state for details and/or differences.
Alabama Code 30-2-1, 30-2-30, 30-2-31.
The Colorado statutes regarding dissolution of marriage are found at CRSA 14-10-106.
HRS §580-6 and 580-71 to 580-76.
750 ILCS 5/401 and 5/402.
Kentucky law also provides for a limited divorce known as a “divorce from bed and board.” The court can divide property and order child support and maintenance, but the parties remain married.
An action for legal separation was eliminated from Louisiana law for actions commenced after January 1, 1991. Actions commenced prior to that date could be converted to a divorce action.
19 MRSA §581 and 691.
Maryland law provides for a limited divorce and an absolute divorce. An absolute divorce results in the termination of the marital relationship. If the court grants a limited divorce decree, the court can award custody, support, and divide property; however, the parties remain married.
MCLA §552.12, §552.6, and §552.7.
Domestic Relations Law § 170 and 200.
The normal procedure to dissolve a marriage is called a “divorce” in Ohio. However, Ohio law also provides for the parties to proceed with an action for “dissolution of marriage,” if both parties sign the Petition for Dissolution and attach their signed Separation Agreement which provides for a division of all property, child custody, child support, spousal support, and all other issues arising out of the marriage. At any time before a final judgment is entered in a divorce action, the spouses may convert the action for divorce into an action for dissolution of marriage by filing a motion with the court for conversion of the divorce action. The motion shall contain a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage which is signed by both parities and which incorporates a signed Separation Agreement.
ORC 3105.01, 3105.08, and 3105.61-.65.
43 Okl.St.Ann. §101, §103, and §122.
ORS 107.115 and 107.455 - 107.475.
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3301, 3306, 3323.
An action for a legal separation in Rhode Island is called a “divorce from bed and board” which may be granted for any of the causes for which a divorce may be granted.
TCA §36-4-101, §36-4-102, §36-4-119, and §36-4-120.
V.T.C.A., Family Code §3.01-3.07; and §3.90.
15 VSA Section 551, 555, and 560.
WV Code §48-2-15 and §48-2-28.

References: §580
 §581
 §552
 §552
 §552
 § 170
 §101
 §103
 §122
 § 3301
 §36
 §36
 §36
 §36
 §3
 §3
 §48
 §48