Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.

In Iowa, individuals contemplating the end of their marriage have several options to consider. Divorce is the legal process of dissolving a marriage, and it can be initiated by either spouse. Before filing for divorce, Iowa law requires a 90-day waiting period from the time the original notice is served and the divorce may be granted, which can provide couples time to consider marriage counseling. Marriage counseling is a non-legal option that may help couples resolve issues and possibly reconcile. Legal separation is another option recognized in Iowa, which allows couples to live apart and settle issues such as property division and child custody without formally ending the marriage. Annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void from the beginning, but it is only available under limited circumstances, such as fraud, bigamy, or underage marriage. Living apart without any formal legal process is also possible, but it may have implications for property rights and custody arrangements. Each of these alternatives has different financial and legal consequences, and individuals should consider consulting with an attorney to understand the implications of each choice.