A divorce is totally different than a separation. In some jurisdictions, however, a separation is required prior to the divorce for a specified period of time. This means that, unless you have been separated for the specified period of time, you cannot obtain a divorce. A separation can be ended, if wanted by the parties. If ended, the marriage will resume as if nothing happened. A divorce is the final word and the marriage cannot resume unless the parties go through with the marriage ceremony again, meaning that it will be their second marriage. With a separation, depending upon the situation, you may still want to mediate a property distribution clause, child custody, child support and a visitation schedule. If the separation ends and the marriage resumes, all of the clauses will also end and things will return back to normal for the parties involved. If a divorce follows the separation, usually the same clauses will be used in the divorce decree; however, at the time of the divorce the clauses can be modified to fit the new situation at hand.