Dissolution of marriage, also known as divorce, is the legal process that terminates a marriage or marital union. It involves the canceling or reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, effectively dissolving the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of a particular country or state. Unlike annulment, which declares the marriage null and void, dissolution of marriage is a legal closure to the marriage rather than "undoing" it as if it never existed.
Some key points about dissolution of marriage include:
- Dissolution of marriage is often used interchangeably with the term divorce, although they may have different legal meanings in some jurisdictions.
- The process can be initiated by one party petitioning to end the union or by a couple mutually deciding to file for divorce.
- Reasons for divorce vary, from sexual incompatibility or lack of independence for one or both spouses to a personality clash or infidelity.
- In a dissolution of marriage, neither party is required to show evidence of wrongdoing, making it similar to a no-fault divorce.
- A marriage is officially dissolved when the court issues a final judgment and decree, which may include the terms of a settlement if the case is resolved through agreement.
- Dissolution of marriage is different from legal separation (a formalized de facto separation while remaining legally married) and de facto separation (an informal process where the spouses stop cohabiting).
