Marriage Tribunal

The Marriage Tribunal is a conciliation body. It meets both spouses and tries to help them reconcile. In practice it is run through JPN.

Under Section 106 of Act 164, before one spouse files for divorce, the problem must usually go to a conciliation body. If the couple cannot agree on another body, it goes to the Marriage Tribunal.

If reconciliation fails, the body issues a certificate. You need this certificate to file.

There are exceptions. The step is not needed for a joint petition, or where, for example, your spouse has deserted you and cannot be found, lives abroad, or refuses to attend.

Why it matters: this step comes before a contested divorce, so it affects when you can file.