Dissolution vs Divorce: Which One Applies to Your Situation?

Dissolution vs Divorce: Is There a Difference?

Let’s clear something up right away. In Colorado, there is no difference between a divorce and a dissolution of marriage. They are two names for the same legal process. The state just prefers the term “dissolution” in official paperwork, while most people still say “divorce” in conversation.

It can sound like there’s a choice between two separate options, but that’s not the case. You are not picking between a divorce and something else, you are simply going through a legal process that ends a marriage, no matter which word you use.

This post breaks down what that process looks like in Colorado and helps you figure out what to expect based on your own situation.

Are There Any Situations Where the Terms Matter?

In Colorado, not really. You’ll only see “dissolution” on court filings and formal paperwork. If you’re reading a legal document, expect to see that term instead of “divorce.” But you’re not choosing between two processes. There’s no alternative path or special version of divorce called dissolution-it’s just the official name.

That being said, if you see content online from other states, be cautious. In some places, “dissolution” might refer to something different, like a simplified divorce or even a legal separation. Colorado keeps it simple. Dissolution means divorce, period.

What About Legal Separation? Is That Different?

Yes, this one actually is different. A legal separation in Colorado is not the same as a divorce or dissolution. It’s a separate legal process for couples who want to live apart and separate their finances, but remain legally married.

Some couples choose legal separation for religious reasons, financial benefits, or simply because they are not ready to fully dissolve the marriage. The court handles it almost the same way as a divorce, including dividing property and setting up parenting plans, but at the end of it, the couple is still legally married.

If either person later decides to move forward with a full divorce, the separation can be converted into a dissolution of marriage with another court filing.

What About Simplified or Uncontested Divorce?

Here’s another area where the wording can cause confusion. Some people think that a “dissolution” is just a simpler or friendlier version of divorce, especially when both spouses agree on everything. But that’s not the case in Colorado.

Even in an uncontested situation where both people are cooperative and there are no major disputes, the legal name for the process is still dissolution of marriage. It’s not a separate or easier process with its own label. It’s just a smoother version of the same process, and it still follows the same basic rules.

The main difference in uncontested cases is time and cost. If you and your spouse agree on how to divide things, the process moves faster and usually costs less in attorney fees. But legally speaking, it’s still a dissolution.

So Which Term Applies to You?

If you’re ending a marriage in Colorado, the answer is simple: dissolution of marriage is the term the courts use, and divorce is the term most people say. They are two labels for the same legal process. You are not choosing between them. You are going through a single process with two names.

The only real distinction to keep in mind is whether you’re dealing with a divorce or something else entirely, like a legal separation. If you’re unsure which path fits your situation, or if your case involves complications like property disputes or parenting plans, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer who can give you a clear answer based on the details.

At Hulse Law Firm, we’ve helped guide countless clients through every version of this process, whether contested, uncontested, or somewhere in between. If you have questions, we’re here to help you get clarity and move forward with confidence.