The divorce certification cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decreased by 22% during the past 12 months, compared to the same previous period, revealed the Saudi Ministry of Justice (MoJ). "A total of 51,856 divorce certificates were issued in the past 12 months, compared to 67,232 certificates for the previous period," the ministry said. "About 27,600 family cases were filed on the Taradhi mediation platform, 13,400 of which were settled amicably, and 8,500 are pending conciliation." The Ministry of Justice has regulated the separation cases. An article was added to the regulations of the Civil Procedure Law requiring the resolution of child custody, visitation and alimony issues before divorce, through mediation or litigation within up to 30 days of the first hearing. According to the new article, if a spouse files for divorce, or marriage annulment, and the marriage has produced children, the court may refer the case to the Mediation Center. If the couple are reconciled within 20 days, a directly enforceable mediation record is issued. — SG
