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 Alabama, dissolution of marriage is synonymous with divorce. Alabama allows for both fault-based and no-fault divorces. For a no-fault divorce, the parties must agree that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and they can no longer live together, which is often referred to as incompatibility or irreconcilable differences. Alabama does not have a formal process called 'summary dissolution' like California. However, Alabama does have a simplified divorce process known as an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on all terms of the divorce, including division of property, debts, alimony, and child custody and support, if applicable. This agreement is formalized in a written document often referred to as a settlement agreement or divorce decree. When the spouses have reached an agreement and have no contested issues, the divorce process can be quicker and less expensive. The specific procedures and requirements for divorce, including uncontested divorces, are outlined in the Alabama Code, particularly in Title 30, Marital and Domestic Relations.