The Dissolution of Statutory Marriage in Cameroon: Problems and Prospects

ABSTRACT

The decree of dissolution of marriage which is defined as s the legal separation of man and wife effected by the judgement or decree of a court, and either totally dissolving the marriage relation or suspending its effect so far as it concerns the cohabitation of the parties.

Dissolution of marriage seems to be on the increase these days, this is due to the fact that people rush into ill- advised marriages and they decided to rush out of these marriages as soon as they discovered that their marriages are not what they expected. Therefore, no proceedings for dissolution of marriage may be instituted within two years of marriage without leave of court, except where divorce proceedings are based on the facts of Wilful and Persistent refusal to consummate, adultery or the commission of rape, sodomy or bestiality. The sub- matter of this research is to examine the nature and the conditions for dissolution of statutory marriage, the likely problems that tend to follow and prospects. In carrying out this research, emphasis will be laid on the various grounds for dissolving statutory marriage under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. But it should be noted that, it is not the intention of the researcher to see that marriages which are ordained by God Almighty and which were hitherto, built on mutual trust and confidence between the parties and their families go asunder. But rather to discourage spouses on dissolution of their marriage by providing a lasting solution to this in order for us to have a better society and also to consider the pathetic effect of such on the children, family and society.