AN APPRAISAL OF THE APPLICATION OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION METHOD TO MARRIAGES IN NIGERIA

This thesis titled', ‘An Appraisal of the Application of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method to Marriages in Nigeria' is written to explore the various methods of ADR that can be harnessed, in resolving matrimonial disputes in Nigeria. In the process^ an attempt has been made to expound the relevance of all legal frameworks already in place under the Matrimonial Causes Act supporting the use of ADR in the process of litigation. An attempt has also been made to suggest an amendment to the existing problems bedeviling the smooth application of ADR mechanism in resolving matrimonial disputes in Nigeria. It is believed that the best way to resolve conflict and promote peace in the world is to begin from the family. Most of the societal problems today emanates from family separation resulting from unprofitable matrimonial litigations whereby children are displaced and lack the necessary parental guard and guide to be a better asset to the society. Litigation in matrimonial causes has therefore caused both family and society a lot of havoc, suffering, hatred, despises, shame and eternal separation making the children from such circumstance an object of hopelessness with every negative infusion. Many disputes have been settled recently through the resort to ADR and the fact is not in doubt that ADR is fast becoming the best method not .only as a complementary or alternative mechanism to litigation but also as the best strategic method of resolving certain private disputes which matrimonial causes is first.