---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 C.F.R. § 222.21"
title: "20"
number: "222.21"
heading: "When marriage is terminated by final divorce."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/20/222.21"
---

# §222.21. When marriage is terminated by final divorce.


A final divorce, often referred to as an absolute divorce, completely dissolves the marriage relationship and restores the parties to the status of single persons. A legal separation, qualified or preliminary divorce, divorce from bed and board, interlocutory decree of divorce, or similar court order is not considered a final divorce for family relationship and benefit entitlement purposes.


## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 45 U.S.C. 231f.

### Source

Source: 54 FR 42949, Oct. 19, 1989, unless otherwise noted.