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 Kentucky, dissolution of marriage is synonymous with divorce. Kentucky is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a spouse can file for divorce without proving fault, such as adultery or abuse. Instead, the spouse must only show that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The process for divorce in Kentucky is governed by the Kentucky Revised Statutes, specifically KRS Chapter 403. Kentucky does not have a formal process called 'summary dissolution' like California, but it does offer an uncontested divorce process if both parties agree on all terms of the divorce, including property division, spousal support, and if applicable, child custody and support. This can expedite the process, as there is no need for a trial. However, even in uncontested divorces, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized.