[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 20, Volume 1] [Revised as of April 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 20CFR222.21] [Page 434] TITLE 20--EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS CHAPTER II--RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD PART 222_FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS--Table of Contents Subpart C_Relationship as Divorced Spouse, Surviving Divorced Spouse, or Remarried Widow(er) Sec. 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.