What it means (brief): One spouse asks court to order the other to return to live together.
Stages:

  1. Petition filed under Section 9.
  2. Notice issued to the other spouse.
  3. Reply/Written Statement filed.
  4. Evidence/hearings on reasons for separation.
  5. Court gives order (to live together or dismiss).
  6. If order ignored for 1 year, it can be ground for divorce.