Laws affecting relationships may change as traditions and attitudes evolve. Ending a marriage may be a particularly upsetting event, involving many uncertainties and emotions. If separation or dissolution is unavoidable or in your best interest, a lawyer can guide you in protecting your rights. This pamphlet discusses areas of concern and attempts to answer frequently asked questions. Ending a Marriage Various procedures may be used to end a marriage that breaks down, including annulment, separation and dissolution.
Annulment is a court-ordered dissolution of an invalid marriage.
A legal separation may be preferred to a dissolution for religious, economic or other reasons. A couple may decide to live apart while attempting to save a faltering relationship, or the separation may be an interim step toward termination of the marriage. There is no legal requirement for actual separation before dissolving a marriage. Oral or written understandings concerning property disposition, arrangements for children, maintenance, or other agreements made while separated may become part of a dissolution proceeding. This court proceeding legally terminates a marriage, and makes provisions for the parenting of minor children, family support, and division of property and liabilities.