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 Wisconsin, dissolution of marriage is synonymous with divorce, and the state follows a 'no-fault' divorce system, meaning that neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing by the other to obtain a divorce. Instead, the party filing for divorce must assert that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' This can be demonstrated by living apart for at least 12 months or by both parties agreeing to the divorce. Wisconsin does not have a formal process called 'summary dissolution' like California, but it does have procedures for a simplified divorce process under certain conditions, such as when couples have no minor children and have reached an agreement on the division of their property. The relevant laws governing divorce in Wisconsin can be found in the Wisconsin Statutes, specifically in Chapter 767, which covers actions affecting the family.