Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage by a court, ending the marital relationship and legal obligations between spouses.
Example
After two years of separation, they decided to file for divorce.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Divorce (under Divorce Act, requires one-year separation, adultery, or cruelty).
Jurisdiction Variations
Dissolution of Marriage
California exclusively uses 'dissolution of marriage' in statutes and court forms
Dissolution of Marriage
Colorado uses 'dissolution of marriage' in all filings
Dissolution of Marriage
Oregon uses 'dissolution' as the statutory term
Dissolution of Marriage
Washington uses 'dissolution' in all family law proceedings
Dissolution of Marriage
Montana statutes refer to 'dissolution'
Dissolution of Marriage
Kentucky uses 'dissolution of marriage'
Dissolution of Marriage (mutual) / Divorce (contested)
Ohio distinguishes: 'dissolution' requires agreement; 'divorce' is adversarial
Dissolution of Marriage
Missouri statutes use 'dissolution'
Dissolution of Marriage
Minnesota uses 'dissolution of marriage'
Dissolution of Marriage
Hawaii uses 'dissolution' in family court