Abstract
This article examined the application of alternative dispute resolution methods in marriage disputes in Nigeria. Marriage is a
socially recognised union between individuals in what is normally intended to be a stable, and enduring relationship. Sometimes marriage might end in conflict between the couples.
The rate of marriage dispute in the form of divorce in the world is becoming alarming. The problems associated with litigation process, to wit; delays arising from long and unnecessary
adjournments, costs of litigation, technicalities, corruption, congestion of the courts’ cause lists, formalities, and so on serve as hindrances to the proper and effective realisation of the
purpose of the courts’ adjudicative process hence, recourse to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods remains a possible
and viable alternatives to judicial settlement of disputes in the country. It was found that there is absence of specific legal frameworks regulating the application of alternative disputes resolution especially in marriage in Nigeria. The Matrimonial Causes Act (MCA) 1970 only empowers the court with jurisdiction to entertain matrimonial causes to give consideration to the possibility of a reconciliation of the parties to the marriage
disputes pending before it unless the proceeding is of such a nature that it will be impossible to do so under the provision of
section 11(1). It is recommended amongst others that a family court should be created in Nigeria, and the National Assembly of
Nigeria should enact an Act that will provide for the application of alternative disputes resolution methods in the resolution of
marriage disputes.
Key Words: Marriage, Application, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Disputes, Dissolution
