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 Illinois, dissolution of marriage is the legal term for divorce, and it can be either contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms including property division, child custody, and support, can proceed more smoothly and quickly. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that the only ground for dissolution is irreconcilable differences, and spouses do not need to prove fault. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) governs the process of divorce in the state. While Illinois does not have a 'summary dissolution' process like California, it does offer a joint simplified dissolution procedure under certain conditions, such as the marriage being relatively short, having no children, and minimal marital assets and debts (750 ILCS 5/452). This simplified process is quicker and less complicated than a regular divorce proceeding.