(a) If the parties to a decree of legal separation at any time file a written declaration stating that they no longer wish to be legally separated and the declaration is signed, acknowledged and witnessed, and filed with the clerk of the superior court for the judicial district in which the separation was decreed, the declaration shall be entered upon the docket, under the entries relating to the complaint, and the decree shall be vacated and the complaint shall be deemed dismissed.

(b) At any time after the entry of a decree of legal separation, either party may petition the superior court for the judicial district in which the decree was entered for a decree dissolving the marriage. The court may enter the decree in the presence of the party seeking the dissolution or, if a party attests that no restraining order issued pursuant to § 46b-15 or protective order issued pursuant to § 46b-38c, between the parties is in effect or pending before the court, the court may enter the decree without requiring the presence of either party.