Legal Definitions - separation from bed and board

Separation from bed and board is a legal term that refers to a partial or qualified divorce. It allows the parties to live apart but remain technically married. This type of divorce was abolished in England in 1857 and is the forerunner of modern judicial separation.

For example, if a couple decides to separate but does not want to get a full divorce, they can file for separation from bed and board. This allows them to live apart and divide their property and assets, but they remain legally married.

Separation from bed and board is also known as limited divorce, legal separation, or judicial separation.