Dissolution of marriage is generally another term for divorce—but in some states it specifically refers to an uncontested divorce—a no fault divorce with a written separation agreement. And in California, for example, there is a summary dissolution that provides an expedited process under limited circumstances (California Family Code §2400).

The laws regarding various methods for dissolving a marriage are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the Family Code or Domestic Relations Code.

In Colorado, dissolution of marriage is the legal term for divorce. Colorado is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a spouse does not need to prove wrongdoing by the other spouse to obtain a divorce. Instead, one must simply state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The process for dissolution of marriage is governed by the Colorado Revised Statutes, specifically Title 14 (Domestic Matters), Article 10 (Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act). Colorado does not offer a summary dissolution like California, but it does have provisions for an uncontested divorce if both parties agree on all issues such as property division, spousal support, and if applicable, child custody and support. This can lead to a more streamlined process. For couples with a written separation agreement that resolves all issues, the court may not require a hearing to finalize the divorce. However, Colorado law requires a 91-day waiting period from the time the petition is filed and served before the divorce can be finalized.