A legal separation order does not have to divide property, however, unless you want it to, because you're still married. (info.legalzoom.com)
In fact, many judges put a limit on how long separation orders may last such as 6 months or a year. (divorcenet.com)
A conversion divorce changes the court - issued separation order, or court - approved separation agreement, into a permanent divorce decree. (info.legalzoom.com)