as the dissolution of marriage form. The distinction between a legal separation and a divorce is that the parties remain legally married but the issue of property division, parenting plan, child support, debts, etc., are resolved per court order in the decree of legal separation. Legal separations are often based on the religious tenets of the party(ies) against divorce or the necessity to maintain health insurance benefits. Once the decree of legal separation is entered, either party can move the court to convert the decree of legal separation to a decree of divorce six months later. The stages of the litigation are the same as a divorce.