Breaking up and divorce both refer to two people ending their love or marriage, but these two words have different meanings. Below, I will explain the definition, essential difference and legal effect of these two words in detail, so that you can better understand the difference between them.

I. Definition

Breaking up usually means that two people end their love relationship and stop dating. The reasons for breaking up may be emotional alienation, personality disagreement, mutual deception, interference from external factors and so on. Breaking up is a relatively easy way, usually only two people need to negotiate.

Divorce refers to a statement that in a marriage relationship, two people can't continue to live together for various reasons, and finally the marriage relationship is declared invalid by the court or the government administrative organ, that is, the two people formally end the marriage relationship. Divorce usually needs to be completed through legal channels, planning property distribution and raising children.

Second, the essential difference.

The essential difference between breaking up and divorce lies in whether the relationship is protected by legal norms. Love relationship is not protected by law, and both parties can decide whether to break up. The reason for breaking up is usually that there is no legal basis. Marriage is protected by law, both husband and wife need to abide by the law, and divorce also needs to be carried out according to legal procedures.

Third, legal effect.

Since the breakup is not protected by law, after the breakup, the property and debts owned by both parties need to be resolved through consultation. However, when divorcing, both husband and wife need to abide by relevant laws and regulations and handle the following issues:

1. Property distribution: both husband and wife need to negotiate to distribute the property jointly acquired during marriage. If the two parties fail to reach an agreement, the court will distribute the property according to the law.

2. Support: If there are children, both parents have the responsibility of support after divorce. Under normal circumstances, after divorce, one parent has to pay the other parent alimony for their children's education and life.

3. Care: After divorce, if one party is sick or disabled, the other party should fulfill its obligations.