{"id":351753,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/eligibility-for-summary-divorce-dissolution.html"},"modified":"2023-07-17T10:26:12","modified_gmt":"2023-07-17T15:26:12","slug":"eligibility-for-summary-divorce-dissolution","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/eligibility-for-summary-divorce-dissolution.html","title":{"rendered":"Eligibility for “Summary” Divorce \/ Dissolution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Eligibility for "Summary" Divorce \/ Dissolution<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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A summary dissolution allows couples to quickly dissolve  their marriage.  Your state law determines if this is an option and the criteria for eligibility.  Typically, couples married for a short duration, with no children and limited assets qualify for a summary divorce.  <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Divorce is never an enjoyable process. Even with no-fault divorce making the procedure more manageable, the divorce process means hours in court, expensive attorneys, and complicated court forms. For couples with few assets and no children, avoiding the process and getting divorced would be much easier.<\/p>\r\n

In most states, couples who meet the requirements for an uncontested divorce may be able to file a petition for summary dissolution. <\/p>\r\n

Summary dissolution has advantages and disadvantages. This article reviews both sides of a deceptively simple issue.<\/p>\r\n

Summary Divorce vs. Traditional Divorce<\/h2>\r\n

A summary dissolution of marriage ends the same way as a "traditional" dissolution of marriage. When the divorce process <\/a>is complete, the parties’ marriage ends, and they are no longer married. A summary divorce case is simpler and faster, and the parties can often do the paperwork themselves.<\/p>\r\n

In a regular divorce, the parties exchange financial statements and question-and-answer forms called "interrogatories." They must have discussions about child support and alimony. There may be separate hearings about child custody and visitation. A judge must preside over the division of separate and community property<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In summary proceedings, none of this applies. Since the parties have few or no assets, they can agree to an equitable division of property themselves and write a simple settlement agreement. This means:<\/p>\r\n