Practice Area

A dissolution of marriage means that you and are your spouse have mutually agreed to end the marriage. The dissolution petition is jointly filed after both spouses have signed a separation agreement regarding all property, spousal support and any child custody and child support issues. Both parties in a dissolution must understand and be satisfied with the settlement as reasonable and fair. The court will grant a dissolution and make the separation agreement a court order, if the court is satisfied that the parties understand their agreement and desire to end their marriage.  There is a 30-day waiting period from the date of filing before the court will hold the final hearing for the case.  The final hearing must take place within 90 days. If you or your spouse cannot participate in the final hearing, you will need to file for an uncontested divorce instead of dissolution.  If any term related to property, spousal support, child custody or child support is not agreed, you will need to file for Divorce to protect your property and/or to request payment of temporary support, until you and your spouse can negotiate an agreement or appear for trial where the court will decide any remaining issues.