THE BASICS
What Is a Joint Dissolution?
A joint dissolution is a divorce where both spouses work together to resolve the issues involved in ending their marriage, instead of fighting it out through the court system.
Together, you make decisions about your finances, property, debts, and, when applicable, your children. Then the paperwork is submitted to the court for approval. The goal is an agreement that works for everyone, with as little conflict, stress, and expense as possible.
You and your spouse make the decisions, not a judge
Fewer court appearances and lower legal fees
A calmer start to life after divorce
WHY IT WORKS
The Benefits of a Joint Dissolution
01
It Can Be Less Complicated
A joint dissolution is a divorce where both spouses work together to resolve the issues involved in ending their marriage, instead of fighting it out through the court system.
Together, you make decisions about your finances, property, debts, and, when applicable, your children. Then the paperwork is submitted to the court for approval. The goal is an agreement that works for everyone, with as little conflict, stress, and expense as possible.
02
It Can Be Less Expensive
Divorce can place a significant financial strain on a family, particularly when both spouses are paying attorneys to litigate disagreements.
A joint dissolution can reduce legal expenses by minimizing court appearances, prolonged negotiations, and unnecessary disputes.
Instead of spending money fighting over every issue, couples can focus their resources on establishing their financial stability and planning for the future.
While the cost depends on the circumstances, working together can help couples avoid many of the expenses associated with a contested divorce.
03
It Encourages Collaboration Instead of Conflict
Divorce doesn't have to mean becoming enemies.
A joint dissolution encourages spouses to approach difficult conversations with a problem-solving mindset rather than an adversarial one.
This can be especially valuable when children are involved. Parents who learn to communicate and cooperate during divorce may be better positioned to work together on parenting decisions long after the legal process is complete.
Even when there are disagreements, the focus remains on finding workable solutions rather than winning an argument.
04
It Gives You More Control Over Your Future
When a divorce becomes highly contested, important decisions may ultimately be left to a judge.
A collaborative approach gives couples more opportunities to shape the outcome themselves.
You know your family's needs, financial circumstances, and priorities better than anyone else. Working together allows you to develop agreements that reflect your individual circumstances rather than relying entirely on a court to make those decisions for you.
05
It Supports Healthy Family Transitions
Divorce changes family dynamics, but it doesn't erase the relationships that remain important.
Parents may still need to attend school events together, coordinate holidays, make decisions about their children, and communicate about everyday responsibilities. Even couples without children may share financial obligations or mutual relationships that require ongoing communication.
A joint dissolution can help establish a foundation for navigating these changes with greater respect, clarity, and cooperation.
The goal isn't simply to end a marriage. It's to help everyone involved transition into the next chapter of their lives with a clear understanding of what comes next.
HOW IT WORKS
The Joint Dissolution Process
Every divorce is different, but a joint dissolution generally follows four steps.
Working together doesn't mean giving up your rights.
Each spouse should understand their legal rights and obligations before signing any agreement.
STEP 1
Identify the issues
Together, you list the decisions your divorce requires. These may include:
Dividing property & assets
Marital debts
Parenting time
Parenting responsibilities
Practical day-to-day matters
Spousal support
STEP 2
Reach agreements
You don't have to agree on everything right away. You just need to be willing to communicate, consider each other's concerns, and find reasonable compromises. We're here to explain your rights and guide you through the hard decisions.
STEP 3
Prepare the paperwork
Once you've reached agreements, we prepare the legal documents that spell out how property, finances, and parenting will be handled, then submit them to the court.
STEP 4
Finalize your divorce
The court reviews your case to confirm the legal requirements are met. A hearing may or may not be needed. Once it's final, you both move forward with clarity.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
When a Joint Dissolution Works Best
Often a good fit when both spouses
Are willing to communicate honestly
Will fully share financial information
Are ready to negotiate in good faith
May need a different approach when
There's a history of domestic violence or intimidation
There's a significant imbalance of power
Assets or finances are being hidden
One spouse is unwilling to cooperate
An attorney can help you decide whether a joint dissolution fits your situation and make sure your agreement truly protects your needs.
The Bottom Line
A Different Way to Approach Divorce
You don't have to agree on everything. You just need a process that helps you work through it.
Divorce is the end of a marriage, but it's also the start of a new chapter.
Instead of focusing on what went wrong, a joint dissolution lets you focus on what comes next: protecting your finances, supporting your children, and creating a workable path forward.
