divorce a mensa et thoro

A judicial decree which terminates the obligation and right of cohabitation but does not affect the status of the parties as married persons or dissolve the marriage. 24 Am J2d Div & S § 1. A limited, partial or qualified divorce which suspends the marriage relation and modifies the duties and obligations but leaves the marriage bond in full force, a judicial separation. Givens v Givens, 121 Fla 271, 63 So 574; People v John, 181 Misc 921, 44 NYS2d 806. A final judgment for divorce, if the divorce granted is an absolute divorce, dissolves the marriage bond and changes the status of the parties; if the divorce is limited, or, as sometimes called, a decree of separation from bed and board, it merely relieves the parties from their obligations and rights as to cohabitation, support, and property interests. 24 Am J2d Div & S § 1.