Judicial separation

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

judicial separation
    n 1: a judicial decree regulating the rights and
         responsibilities of a married couple living apart [syn:
         {legal separation}, {judicial separation}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Separation \Sep`a*ra"tion\, n. [L. separatio: cf. F.
   s['e]paration.]
   The act of separating, or the state of being separated, or
   separate. Specifically:
   (a) Chemical analysis.
   (b) Divorce.
   (c) (Steam Boilers) The operation of removing water from
       steam.
       [1913 Webster]

   {Judicial separation} (Law), a form of divorce; a separation
      of man and wife which has the effect of making each a
      single person for all legal purposes but without ability
      to contract a new marriage. --Mozley & W.
      [1913 Webster]