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 New Hampshire, dissolution of marriage is synonymous with divorce. The state allows for no-fault divorces, which means that neither spouse is required to prove wrongdoing by the other to obtain a divorce. Instead, they may simply state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. New Hampshire does not have a formal process called 'summary dissolution' like California, but it does offer a simplified uncontested divorce process for couples who agree on all terms of their divorce, including property division, alimony, child support, and custody. This is often referred to as an 'uncontested divorce' or 'joint petition for divorce.' The relevant statutes governing divorce in New Hampshire can be found in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), specifically in Title XLIII – Domestic Relations. Couples who have reached a full agreement can file a joint petition, which can expedite the process as there is no need for a trial or multiple court appearances.