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 Jersey, dissolution of marriage is synonymous with divorce, which can be either no-fault or fault-based. New Jersey allows for no-fault divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, which does not require spouses to live separately for any period before filing (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:34-2). There is no specific term such as 'summary dissolution' in New Jersey law as there is in California. However, New Jersey does offer an expedited process known as an 'uncontested divorce' when both parties agree on all major issues, including property division, alimony, child support, and custody. This can be a more streamlined process if a comprehensive settlement agreement is in place. The relevant laws and procedures for divorce in New Jersey are primarily found in the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 2A:34 (Marriage, Civil Unions), which outlines the state's requirements for filing, grounds for divorce, and related matters.