The number of couples who asked the courts to end their marriages throughout the country has risen by over 5,000 to reach 36,000 cases last year from 31,452 applications in 2022.
From the 36,924 divorce applications filed in 2023, the courts gave the go-ahead to 21,041, representing a 39 percent increment compared to the previous year, while 11,501 were not granted.
Zambia’s population is slightly below 20 million.
Like 2022, among the major reasons for seeking divorce, it was mostly infidelity and drunkenness.
The shortest marriages among those dissolved lasted 14 days from Western and Central provinces’ couples last year compared to the previous year where the shortest marriage was nine days involving a pair from Eastern Province.
The average age for divorce applicants last year was from 16 and 78 years, with majority applicants being women.
According to local court office data availed to the Zambia Daily Mail, Western Province recorded the highest divorce applications at 8,021 compared to 1,742 in 2022.
The court granted 5,846 divorces with infidelity and denial of conjugal rights being the reasons why couples filed for divorce.
Just like last year, Lusaka Province is second highest with 7,171 divorce petitions, a rise of over 1,000, having recorded 6,072 in 2022. A total of 4,500 divorces were granted last year, with excessive drinking, adultery and violence being among the main reasons for seeking permanent separation.
– Zambia Daily Mail
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