A judgment of the court or written agreement directing one or both of the spouses to live separate and apart. It allows the parties to obtain a court order regarding support, child custody, division of real property without having a final decree for dissolution of marriage. A decree of separation does not dissolve a marriage therefore, it does not allow for the parties to remarry. Sometimes it allows for either party to remain covered under the other party's health insurance. Either party must be a resident in the State of California for three months immediately preceding the filing of a Legal Separation.