MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION AS ALTERNATIVE MECHANISMS FOR RESOLVING MARITAL DISPUTES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite measures for expeditious resolution of marital disputes under Nigerian law, there appears to be a longer approach through litigation in resolving matrimonial disputes within the Nigerian legal system. This paper looks at how mediation and conciliation can help resolve the complicated issues that arise from marital disputes. The paper adopts the doctrinal methodology to x-ray these identified mechanisms through legal frameworks, body of scholarly works in this respect among other sources. In continuation, delay in resolving marital disputes appears needless. This is because delays culminate in factors such as emotional strain, financial burden, and child custody battles, as common characteristics of marital disputes, together forming a maze that traditional judicial procedures find difficult to successfully navigate. The paper recommends alternative approaches that can address not only the legal dimensions of the dispute but also the emotional and relational aspects involved. The paper concludes that conciliation and mediation have become crucial instruments in the context of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for marital disputes.