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 Massachusetts, the term 'dissolution of marriage' is synonymous with divorce. The state recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. A no-fault divorce can be filed under the grounds of 'Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage' and can be uncontested if both parties agree on the terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and support arrangements. This is often formalized with a written separation agreement. Massachusetts does not have a summary dissolution process like California. Instead, the state offers a 'Simplified Divorce Procedure' for cases where the divorce is uncontested, and the spouses meet certain requirements, such as agreement on all terms and no involvement of minor children. The laws governing divorce in Massachusetts can be found in the Massachusetts General Laws, specifically within Chapters 208 and 209.