20 CFR § 222.21 - When marriage is terminated by final divorce.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t20/s222.21"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "20 CFR § 222.21 - When marriage is terminated by final divorce."
title_number: 20
title_name: "Employees' Benefits"
section_number: "222.21"
section_name: "When marriage is terminated by final divorce."
chapter_name: "RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "REGULATIONS UNDER THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT"
part_number: "222"
part_name: "FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "45 U.S.C. 231f."
regulatory_source: "54 FR 42949, Oct. 19, 1989, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "222"
---
# 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.