Bifurcation
A court procedure that separates the divorce into two parts, allowing marital status to be terminated while other issues remain pending.
Example
The judge granted bifurcation so they could remarry while property division continued.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Divorce Judgment with Reserved Issues (rare; Canadian courts typically resolve all corollary relief at divorce).
Jurisdiction Variations
CALIFORNIA
Bifurcation / Status-Only Judgment
California commonly grants bifurcation; a 'status-only judgment' terminates marriage while reserving other issues
TEXAS
Generally not available
Texas courts rarely grant bifurcation; prefer resolving all issues together
NEW-YORK
Bifurcation available upon motion
New York allows bifurcation but requires showing of good cause
Related Terms
divorce-decreefinal-judgmenttemporary-orders