A divorce (technically known as a "dissolution of marriage") terminates the marriage and resolves all issues of child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, division of property, division of debts, insurance, etc. A legal separation does everything a divorce does except when you are done, you are still married. A divorce requires a claim of a permanent breakdown of the marriage whereas a separation requires a claim of a temporary breakdown. A common reason for filing a legal separation is for the spouse to continue on the group health insurance plan of the other spouse.