North Carolina law requires spouses to remain separated for one year and one day before they can finalize a divorce. If the couple decides to reconcile and return to married life together, they may do so by formally requesting the court to withdraw the separation order. Otherwise, the separation will become a formal divorce at the end of the separation period. If you have questions about how this process works or the specific details of your separation order, it’s important to consult a Monroe separation attorney as soon as possible.