Divorce (or
dissolution of marriage) is the termination of a
marriage or marital union, the canceling and/or reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of
marriage, thus dissolving the
bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country and/or state. Divorce laws
vary considerably around the world, but in most countries it requires the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process. The legal process of divorce may also involve issues of
alimony (spousal support),
child custody,
child visitation / access,
parenting time,
child support,
distribution of property, and division of debt. In most countries
monogamy is required by law, so divorce allows each former partner to marry another person; where
polygyny is legal but
polyandry is not, divorce allows the woman to marry a new husband.