Dissolution of marriage is the technical legal term for divorce. Dissolution of marriage refers to the formal end of all legal rights and obligations of matrimony. Like marriage, dissolution of marriage is governed by state laws.

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For information about dissolution of marriage go to Divorces.com

No-fault divorce

Many states have what is called a no-fault divorce concept. In no fault divorces, the dissolution of marriage is granted if the couple files that there were “irreconcilable differences” between them. When a couple files for dissolution of marriage due to irreconcilable differences, they state that the differences between them were too great, and resulted in an inevitable breakdown of their marriage.

Residency requirements

Although you do not have to have been married in one state in order to file for dissolution of marriage there, there are certain residency requirements you must fulfill in order to file for dissolution of marriage in that state. In most states, one of the spouses has to have been a resident of that state for at least six continuous months and of that county they wish to file in for at least three consecutive months. The spouse’s residency in this location has to be prior to the date they filed for dissolution of marriage.

The basic procedure for dissolving a marriage

The basic procedure for dissolution of marriage is as follows:

• The petition (decree of dissolution of marriage) is filed by one spouse and served on the other spouse (respondent)
• The respondent has a certain time period (varying from state to state) to file a response to the petition.
• One spouse will request temporary court orders. A hearing will proceed. At this hearing, the judge will make decisions regarding child custody, child support and other important issues the spouses are concerned about.
• The spouses and their attorneys then exchange in a process called discovery where they exchange documents relevant to the case. The spouses exchange documents stating their current income and their basic expenses.
• After the process of discovery is completed, and the spouses attorneys focus on the settlement of the case. Upon an agreement the attorneys prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement which states everything decided upon by the spouses. The spouses and their attorneys sign this document.
• If the spouses cannot come to an agreement, they can either seek the services of a divorce mediator or go to trial. Mediation is a cheaper, more effective alternative to going to trial.
   

Dissolution of marriage, also known as divorce, is the process of terminating a marriage. It can be a lengthy process, but with the help of an attorney and a divorce mediator, the process can be made much simpler.

Are you interested in dissolving your marriage?

For information about dissolution of marriage go to Divorces.com