What Is a Dissolution of Marriage?
A dissolution of marriage is the legal process of ending a marriage. The term is used interchangeably with “divorce” in the overwhelming majority of states. When you hear “dissolution,” it simply means the marriage is being dissolved — terminated — by court order.
States that use “dissolution” as their primary term include:
- Ohio — Distinguishes dissolution (joint/agreed) from divorce (contested)
- Colorado — Uses “Dissolution of Marriage” instead of “divorce” (see Colorado forms)
- Oregon, Washington, Minnesota — Use “dissolution” in official court filings
What Is a Divorce?
A divorce is the identical legal process — it ends an existing marriage through a court order. The word “divorce” is the more commonly used term by the general public, media, and most states.
States that use “divorce” as their primary term include:
- Texas — Texas divorce forms use the term “Original Petition for Divorce”
- Indiana — Indiana divorce forms use “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” but the process is called a “divorce”
- Most other states — Use “divorce” in common parlance, even if official documents say “dissolution”
Are the Forms Different?
| Feature | Dissolution | Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Legal outcome | Marriage ended | Marriage ended |
| Agreement required? | Both spouses agree (in OH) | One spouse can file alone |
| Filing type | Joint petition (in OH) | One-party petition |
| Forms needed | Same core documents | Same core documents |
| Court hearing | Usually shorter, simpler | May require trial if contested |
| Timeline | Typically faster | Varies based on complexity |
Get Your State-Specific Forms
Whether your state calls it dissolution or divorce, get the right forms for your situation.
Which Should You File?
In most states, there is no choice to make — only one term is used. If you live in a state like Ohio where both options exist:
- Choose dissolution if you and your spouse agree on all terms (custody, property, support)
- Choose divorce if there are unresolved disputes or your spouse is uncooperative
Not sure which applies to your state? Use our Forms Finder tool to get personalized guidance, or browse our dissolution of marriage forms page for a full breakdown.
Bottom Line
Don't get hung up on terminology. Whether your court says “divorce” or “dissolution,” the forms you need are functionally the same. Focus on getting the right forms for your state and completing them accurately — that's what actually matters for your filing.
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Get Your Divorce Forms →Dissolution vs. Divorce FAQ
Legally, yes — dissolution of marriage and divorce both end a marriage. The terms are interchangeable in most states. Ohio and a few others distinguish them procedurally, but the legal outcome is identical: the marriage is officially terminated.
In most states, the same forms are used regardless of whether the process is called "divorce" or "dissolution." In Ohio, dissolution requires a joint petition (both spouses file together), while divorce uses a petition filed by one spouse. Check your state's specific requirements.
Where a distinction exists, dissolution is typically faster because it requires mutual agreement from the start. A standard divorce may involve more contested proceedings and take longer.