Dissolution means ending a legally binding contract. Dissolution of marriage is a common example of this. In dissolution of marriage, it has been agreed upon by both parties to put an end to the marital relationship. Dissolution requires that both the husband and the wife hire attorneys and come to an agreement on all issues that will aid in the settlement of the case, prior to the actual dissolution of the marriage. The first document that you will see in a dissolution case is a legal separation agreement. Some states require that the couple become legally separated prior to the dissolution of marriage, or the divorce, because this enables the court to make sure that the parties are serious and gives them time to resolve the marriage. A divorce is final.