DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

dissolution of marriage. 1.DIVORCE. 2.Archaic. A divorce-like remedy available when both

spouses  have signed  a  separation  agreement that  deals  with  (1)  the  issue  of  alimony  (providing

either some or none), and (2) if there are children, the issues of support, custody, and visitation. •

Under a dissolution of marriage in this sense, the court is bound by the separation agreement and

cannot later  modify  alimony  payments.  Courts  in  jurisdictions  where  the  term  has  been  used  in

this specific sense traditionally distinguish it from divorce, which was formerly available only on

certain grounds and which allowed the court to modify alimony payments. [Blacks Law 8th]