Saudi Gazette report BURAIDAH – Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice for Arbitration and Reconciliation Affairs Yusuf Al-Twaijri said the family reconciliation offices expected to be launched in five cities will help reduce the burden on courts. He said the project, to be administered by a group of judges, will be carried out in three stages. Al-Twaijri said the offices will commence operation in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Dammam and Buraidah once the draft, comprising 35 articles, is approved. Al-Twaijri disclosed that the offices will strive to attract specialists so couples can benefit from their experience, Al-Watan newspaper reported Friday. The official denied that the reconciliation offices will be functioning independently in separate buildings. He said the offices will be within existing court buildings. He confirmed that the reconciliation offices will be one of the most important steps for reducing the burden on courts as they will settle many cases before they reach the courts. Al-Twaijri said an official notification regarding marriage reconciliation offices will be approved soon. He described reconciliation as one of the most well-known methods for settling marital disputes. The offices will be administered by judges who will attest the settlement or judicial decisions issued by reconcilers under the name “reconciliation document.” Al-Twaijri added that the cases the offices will look into in the initial stages include settlement of marital cases like divorce, nullification of marriage contract, child custody, visitation rights and alimony cases, and cases of Adhl (preventing women from getting married). This will be followed by the second and third stages until all cases are covered.
