What does the term 'Petition for Dissolution of Marriage' refer to?

The term 'Petition for Dissolution of Marriage' specifically refers to the legal document that a spouse files to initiate divorce proceedings. This petition serves as an official request to the court to end the marriage, outlining the reasons for the dissolution and any accompanying terms regarding issues such as division of property, custody of children, and support obligations.

Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing the various stages of divorce proceedings and the legal terminology associated with them. This document is foundational in the legal process, as it sets in motion the court's involvement in the couple's separation and helps to define the parameters for the divorce settlement.

Other choices do contain elements related to divorce but do not accurately represent the term in question. For example, a legal separation involves living apart without terminating the marriage, an agreement between spouses typically pertains to arrangements made after the dissolution has been filed or concluded, and forms for alimony requests specifically address financial support following a divorce rather than initiating the divorce itself.