Breaking Down the Process: Dissolution of Marriage vs. Divorce – Which Path to Choose?

Choosing the right legal path for ending a marriage can be challenging. Two common processes are dissolution of marriage vs. divorce. While both result in the termination of a marital relationship, they differ in terms of procedures, requirements, and outcomes.

This guide will help you understand the key differences and decide which path suits your needs best. Read on to learn more.

What Is Dissolution of Marriage?

Dissolution of marriage is a process where both partners agree to end their marriage without blaming each other. It is typically quicker and less stressful than a divorce.

In dissolution, both parties work together to agree on everything, like dividing property or deciding custody of children. This way, there is no need for a long court battle.

If you are considering ending your marriage and want to know more, you can visit this law office in Tempe, Arizona. They can help you understand the process and guide you through it.

Key Features of Dissolution of Marriage

Dissolution of marriage can be easier than divorce. Couples agree on major details. Here are key features:

Mutual Agreement

In a dissolution of marriage, both partners must concur on all substantive matters. This mutual agreement is central to the legal process as it involves compromise and understanding between the parties. Essentially, couples must settle on aspects like property division, spousal support, and child custody without judicial intervention.

By aligning their interests, they can avoid the complexities of a contested legal process, making dissolution more straightforward and less contentious.

Less Adversarial

A key benefit of dissolution of marriage is that it is less adversarial than divorce. Since both parties work together to find common ground, there’s less potential for conflict. The process does not involve fighting against each other in the court system.

Instead, it encourages mutual respect and cooperation. This collaborative approach generally leads to more amicable settlements and preserves a cordial relationship, which can be especially important if children are involved. By not making the separation process a battle, it minimizes emotional strain and can lead to a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Simplified Procedure

The process of dissolution can appear straightforward to many. Both parties agree on major decisions like who gets what and where the kids will live. There’s no need for a court to decide these things because the couple does it themselves. This means less paperwork and fewer legal steps. This way of ending a marriage can be quicker and less stressful.

Benefits of Dissolution of Marriage

Ending a marriage can be hard. Dissolution of marriage makes it easier for both. Here are some simple benefits:

Quick Process

The dissolution of marriage is often a faster way to end a marriage because it does not need long fights in court. Couples that agree on things can finish the process much quicker. This means less waiting and less time spent on legal details. Both people can move on with their lives sooner.

Less Stressful

Ending a marriage is tough, but the dissolution of marriage can be less stressful. Couples who agree don’t have to fight in court, and that makes the whole process smoother. Not needing court battles means there is less tension and worry. 

When both sides are on the same page, they can sort out things like money and kids more easily. This way, you don’t have to deal with long waits or lots of paperwork. It’s simpler, and both people can feel better about moving forward.

Save Money

A dissolution of marriage costs less than a divorce. When couples agree on important things like money and kids, they do not need to go to court as much. This means fewer lawyer fees. Courts also charge money.

If you visit them less, you pay less. With less paperwork and meetings, the money you save can be used for other important things. This makes it simpler to move on with life without spending too much on ending the marriage.

What Is Divorce?

Divorce is a legal ending of a marriage where the court gets involved in the decision-making process. This means that instead of the couple agreeing on their own, the judge makes important choices. These decisions can be about who gets the house, where the kids will live, and who pays what bills.

Divorce can take more time because both people may not agree on everything. They might need to go to court many times until everything is sorted out. This makes it longer and sometimes harder. When couples can’t agree on their own, divorce is the way they must go.

Key Features of Divorce

Divorce can be tough. It takes longer and may need more court visits. Here are the features:

Unilateral Decision

In a divorce, one person can decide to end the marriage without the other agreeing. This means the court has to help make choices. The judge will decide on property division, where kids will live, and who pays the bills. 

This can make the process longer and harder because there isn’t always agreement. The court meetings can go on for a long time until everything is sorted out. This type of decision can make the divorce more stressful for everyone.

Adversarial Nature

A divorce can be more like a fight. People who are getting divorced often do not agree. They may argue about who gets what or where the kids will live. This can make things difficult. When they do not agree, they have to go to court.

The judge then decides for them. Going to court a lot takes time. It can also cost a lot of money. This fighting can make everyone feel bad. It is often harder on the kids, too. They can get upset when they see their parents fighting.

Complex Procedure

A divorce can be very complicated and take a long time. People may have to fill out lots of papers and go to court many times. This can make the whole thing take a lot longer. Each person has to tell the court what they want, like who should get the house or where the kids will live.

If they can’t agree, the judge will decide. This can take many steps and make it hard for both people. The many forms and court dates can be confusing and stressful. It also costs more money because you need to pay for lawyers and court fees.

Benefits of Divorce

Getting a divorce can have some good sides. Here are the benefits:

Clear Decisions

One of the benefits of divorce is that it often leads to clear, final decisions. When a judge is involved, both parties get a definitive answer on essential matters like property split, child custody, and finances. This can take away the uncertainty and arguments that sometimes come with trying to agree on your own.

With a judge’s ruling, you know exactly where you stand, which can make it easier to plan for the future. Even though the process can be tough, having someone unbiased make the call can help both people move forward with a sense of closure.

Better Environment for Kids

When it comes to kids, divorce can sometimes be better because it gives them a clear and stable environment. If parents are always fighting, it can make kids feel upset and worried. With divorce, the arguments can stop, and kids know what to expect.

They know where they will live and what their routine will be. This clear plan can help them feel more secure and worry less. Even if it’s hard at first, having a set plan about who they stay with and when can make their life less stressful. It’s not about parents winning or losing; it’s about making sure kids have a good place to grow up.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is about getting better as a person. When you go through a divorce, it can be hard, but you can also learn and grow. You might learn more about yourself and what makes you happy. You can find new hobbies and make new friends. 

This is a chance to start fresh and try new things. Personal growth means you get stronger and smarter. Even though a divorce can be tough, it can also help you become a better and happier person.

Legal Protection

Legal protection means having safety and help from the law. If you are getting divorced, the law can help you. It makes sure things are fair. The law looks at what both people need. It helps if someone is not being fair. The judge can tell them what to do.

For example, if one person is not giving money they need to, the law can make them. The law also helps keep kids safe. It makes sure they live in a good place. Having these rules means everyone knows what is right and what is wrong. The law is there to help and protect everyone.

Also Read: Understanding the Legal Process: A Guide for Civil Suit Attorneys

Learn All About the Dissolution of Marriage vs. Divorce

Deciding between a dissolution of marriage vs. divorce depends on what you need. Dissolution is easier and costs less. Both people agree on things, so there’s less fighting.

Divorce is tougher. A judge helps make choices because both people can’t agree. It takes longer and costs more. Both ways end a marriage, but the path you choose depends on how you both feel and what you can agree on.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog.