What does "dissolution of marriage" mean?

"Dissolution of marriage" refers specifically to the legal process of ending a marriage. This involves the formal procedures established by law that result in the termination of the legal relationship between spouses. In many jurisdictions, this process includes various steps such as filing a petition, distributing marital assets, determining custody of children, and resolving other financial and legal obligations.

It's important to understand that this term encompasses more than just the end of a relationship; it signifies the completion of a legal framework that governs married life and its conclusion. The other options describe various aspects of marital relationships but do not capture the essence of what "dissolution of marriage" entails. For instance, a formal separation without legal implications does not terminate the marriage, while reconciliation agreements pertain to efforts to restore a marriage rather than ending it. Modification of marriage terms can refer to changes in legal obligations or agreements but does not equate to the dissolution itself.