Divorce and dissolution are often interchangeably used to indicate the end of a marriage. Although they are two ways to end a marriage, they technically have different legal meanings. The main difference between the two terms lies in whether either spouse is implementing fault in the split.
A divorce is defined as the legal process of ending a marriage wherein on spouse is claiming the other spouse is at fault for the marriage coming to an end. On the other hand, marriage dissolution refers to a situation wherein both spouses mutually agree to end their marriage to one another. Another way to look at dissolution of a marriage is a no-fault divorce.
California Divorces v. Dissolution
California has instated no-fault divorce laws. This means that every married couple who wants to end their marriage will file for dissolution instead of a divorce. State laws do not require either spouse to file for divorce on fault-based grounds. Neither spouse will be punished for wrongdoings which resulted in an end to the marriage, even if either spouse committed adultery or ended the marriage for any other reason.
The at-fault divorce laws in California allow for a simpler way for married couples to end their marriage. Instead of proving fault, the spouse filing for dissolution only needs to cite irreconcilable differences (or the inability to get along with their spouse) when completing the divorce papers. This makes a no-fault dissolution process shorter and allows for less animosity and finger pointing between the spouses.
How a Central Valley Divorce Attorney Can Help
Whether you refer to the end of your marriage as a divorce or dissolution, it can involve factors, such as high-value assets, contested terms and child custody, that can complicate the process. The best way to avoid the additional stress of divorce is to hire an experienced Central Valley divorce attorney to help you navigate the process.
Your attorney can negotiate the terms of your divorce to better represent your rights in the process. Instead of spending time completing the legal documents, you can instead spend time with your family or focus on your mental and emotional well being.
Call an Experienced Central Valley Divorce Attorney
If you are in the process of getting a divorce or plan on initiating one, it is important that you have a knowledgeable attorney fighting for your rights. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Central Valley divorce attorney, please call Gurjit Srai (209) 323-5558 or complete our online form.