Single Petition (Contested Divorce)

A single petition is a divorce application filed by one spouse alone. It is made under Section 53 of Act 164, on the ground that the marriage has broken down.

To prove the breakdown, Section 54 lists four facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for two years, or living apart for two years.

It is usually used when the other spouse does not agree to divorce, or will not agree on the terms.

Why it matters: you can still get a divorce even if your spouse refuses to sign.