Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce Procedure in Zimbabwe

1. What Are The Grounds For Divorce in Zimbabwe

Incurable mental illness and irretrievable differences, the spouse that is seeking a divorce must establish one of the grounds in either a contested or opposed divorce or simple or uncontested divorce.

2. What First Step Must One take should they Decide To Divorce their Spouse?

After making your intentions known to your spouse, your first step is to fill divorce summons at the High Court. For simple or uncontested divorce where everything is settled before coming to court, the parties just sign consenting documents for filing with the court. Is the divorce is contested or opposed, litigation is needed and the parties are required to provide information to be used in litigation, etc? The process of a contested divorce may be long and costly as it may require lawyers.

3. Who must pay spousal maintenance if we get divorced?

Zimbabwe law does not guarantee the payment of spousal maintenance after the divorce has been finalized. However the spouse asking for maintenance must show that they are not in a position to maintain themselves, therefore, they require help from their former spouse.