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 Washington State, dissolution of marriage is indeed another term for divorce. Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means that the only ground for divorce is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and no proof of wrongdoing is required. The process for dissolution of marriage is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), particularly in Title 26, which covers domestic relations. The state does not require a legal separation before filing for divorce, nor does it have a summary dissolution process similar to California's. Instead, the process involves filing a petition for dissolution of marriage, serving the papers to the other spouse, and resolving issues such as property division, child custody, and support through mutual agreement or court orders. The divorce can be uncontested if both parties agree on all terms, or contested if there are disagreements that require court intervention. The dissolution becomes final after a mandatory waiting period of 90 days from the date the petition was filed.