Family lawyer admits divorce cases are on the rise, highlights remedy to victims

By Robert Mutasi

Family law practitioner Lawyer Ann Mbugua has said divorce is one of the biggest challenges in the family.

Speaking during an interview with NTV on May 10, 2023, Mbugua noted that after separation, couples are usually hurt as no one expects to get married with the intention of getting divorced.

She has, however, insisted that despite the fact that no one wants to get divorced, the cases have been on the rise. 

"Everybody gets married to live happily ever," she said.

According to the family lawyer, the number of divorces is not only growing in the country but across the world.

Lawyer Mbugua, who is also a Senior Partner and Head of the Litigation Department at Musyimi and Company Advocates, has further highlighted some of the ways of handling divorce.

First, she says, premarital counselling is supposed to be done well for those who get married, before the court can come in and make decisions for the couple.

"Court orders do help because human nature sometimes needs some law. The laws are made for disobedient and naughty people," said the lawyer.

Another way to deal with divorce is proper sharing of properties with the spouse to avoid conflicts.

Further, the family lawyer says partners need to agree on how to co-parent and this way, discipline can quickly flow in. 

She also advised couples to speak the same language so as to ensure a good relationship with their children.

A report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows a 16.5% rise in divorce cases within a decade.