Refusal to endorse formal dissolution documents does not automatically halt divorce proceedings. It represents a party’s unwillingness to consent to the terms presented or to acknowledge the end of the marriage. For example, an individual might decline to sign if they disagree with proposed asset division or child custody arrangements.
The legal system recognizes that mutual agreement is not always achievable. Requiring both parties’ signatures for a divorce to proceed would grant one spouse undue control over the other’s life. Historically, divorce laws often favored one gender. Modern statutes aim for equitable outcomes, even in the absence of complete cooperation. The process acknowledges that disagreements are common and provides mechanisms for resolution.
