What Is A Divorce From Bed And Board?
There really is no formal proceeding to have a legal separation in New Jersey. The closest legal proceeding for a “legal separation” provided under New Jersey law is a “divorce from bed and board.” An outdated legal proceeding, a divorce from bed and board is similar to a legal separation. It is not really a divorce, but it is more than a legal separation. A divorce from bed and board was very popular in the 1950’s and 60’s. Many people believed that getting a divorce was a mortal sin. These kinds of beliefs were especially prevalent for people of the Catholic faith. To address these concerns, the courts developed a legal proceeding called a divorce from bed and board, where the parties are economically divorced but are still legally married. The parties obtain a judgment that equitably distributes the assets, makes support and alimony awards, apportions debts, sells the marital home, and divides pensions. A divorce from bed and board does not terminate or dissolve the marital bond. In
