Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the ending of a marriage, which can be contrasted with an annulment which is a declaration that a marriage is void, though the effects of marriage may be recognized in such unions, such as spousal support, child custody and distribution of property.

Divorce may be a result of one or more factors, usually more than one, which make a couple unable or unwilling to continue the relationship. In some cases, incompatibilities arise due to financial needs, vast differences in career goals, or conflicts concerning time spent outside the home.

Social and Psychological Issues

The subject of divorce as a social phenomenon is an important research topic in sociology. Some researchers argue that divorce rates do not always reflect actual interactions among people; that is, some countries may show a low divorce rate because, in such countries, people rarely get married in the first place.

In United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other some other developed Commonwealth countries, the boom in divorce developed in the last half of the twentieth century. In addition, acceptance of the single-parent family has resulted in many women deciding to have children outside marriage as there is little remaining social stigma attached to unwed mothers.

Legal Aspects of Divorce

Divorce in the United States is a matter of state law, not federal law. Each state's legislature has enacted divorce laws that set forth the requirements for obtaining a divorce. These requirements vary from state to state.

In general there is a residency requirement and a waiting period after the separation. For example, in North Carolina, a spouse must have lived in North Carolina at least six months and must wait one year after separating to file for divorce. Other states have different residency requirements and waiting periods. Some states have requirements that issues like custody must be settled prior to the divorce.

Another issue is whether or not a divorcing party has to prove that the divorce is the other party's fault. Generally speaking, states offer no-fault divorces where the issue who is responsible for the dissolution of the marriage is irrelevant.

 

Global Issues That Effect Divorces

Where people from different countries get married, and one or both then choose to reside in another country, the procedures for divorce can become significantly more complicated. Although most countries make divorce possible, the form of settlement or agreement following divorce may be very different depending on where the divorce takes place.

In some countries there may be a bias towards the man regarding property settlements, and in others there may be a bias towards the woman, both concerning property, and also custody of any children. One or both parties may seek to divorce in a country which has jurisdiction over them. Normally there will be a residence requirement in the country in which the divorce takes place.

Some of the more important aspects of divorce law involve the provisions for any children involved in the marriage, and problems may arise due to abduction of children by one parent, or restriction of access rights to children.