What is the difference between Legal Separation and Divorce?

In Washington, on petition to the Superior Court by either spouse, the court must grant either a “Decree of Legal Separation” or a “Decree of Dissolution (divorce)”.
A Decree of Legal Separation, just like a Decree of Dissolution, must fully and permanently divide the property of the parties, make a child support order and parenting plan if there are dependent children, and make
spousal maintenance orders and require one party to assist the other in payment of attorney fees and grant restraining orders, if appropriate. The only difference in these types of Decrees issued by the court is that a Decree of Legal Separation maintains the legal status of the parties as married, even though their community property has been separated and divorce-like financial and parenting orders have been entered along with the Decree.