What does divorce legally signify?

Divorce legally signifies a termination of a marriage contract, which means that the legal union between spouses is formally dissolved. This process is crucial as it officially ends all legal obligations and rights that existed between the two parties under marriage law. Following a divorce, individuals are free to remarry and do not share the same legal status or responsibilities as they did while married.

This contrasts with other options, such as separation of living arrangements, which may indicate that spouses are living apart but do not necessarily dissolve the marriage legally. Similarly, a legal separation does not end the marriage, maintaining all existing rights and responsibilities between the couple while allowing them to live independently. Lastly, a mutual agreement without legal implication does not carry the weight of law and does not alter the marital status or rights, unlike divorce which enforces a legal end to the marriage. Thus, the correct choice captures the definitive legal aspect of divorce.