The requirement for mutual consent in dissolving a marital union varies significantly based on jurisdictional laws. While some regions mandate that both parties willingly agree to terminate the marriage, others permit dissolution even if only one spouse desires it. The specific legal framework governing divorce proceedings dictates whether unanimous agreement is a prerequisite for the process to commence and conclude.
The concept of requiring both spouses’ assent is rooted in historical and cultural perspectives that emphasized the sanctity and permanence of marriage. However, evolving social norms and legal reforms in many areas have shifted towards recognizing individual autonomy and the potential for irreconcilable differences. This shift acknowledges situations where remaining married may be detrimental to one or both parties’ well-being, regardless of the other’s stance.
