KUWAIT CITY, April 6: Head of the Family Dispute Experts Section at the Family Consultation Department of the Ministry of Justice Mashael Al-Mishaal says there are ten main causes of divorce, with poor communication between spouses being the leading factor.
In an interview, Al-Mishaal revealed that the department successfully prevented several divorces over the years, with 1,443 reconciliation cases recorded in 2024 alone. She affirmed the importance of not using children as tools for pressure or revenge between the spouses. Al-Mishaal said the department’s primary goal is to repair relationships to maintain Kuwaiti families and prevent divorce from the early stages. She explained that poor communication between spouses is one of the top causes of divorce. While it has decreased recently, it still remains a leading factor. Besides poor communication between spouses, other main causes of divorce in Kuwait include lack of respect, infidelity, and issues such as social media addiction and substance abuse. For expatriates, “divorce for harm” is common, where one spouse leaves the country to go to their home country, which often leads to divorce.

Regarding concerns over dramatic portrayals of Kuwait as a society filled with divorced individuals, Al-Mishaal described them as an inaccurate and exaggerated depiction. She highlighted that there is significant awareness in Kuwaiti society, with many making efforts to resolve issues before they escalate. Al-Mishaal elaborated on the department’s efforts in 2024 to help reconcile couples and prevent divorce. She explained that the main goal is to preserve the family unit and deal with issues at the earliest stages to prevent divorce. Before filing for divorce, couples are required to consult with the department’s Family Dispute Resolution Section, where efforts are made to mediate and resolve the matter amicably. If reconciliation attempts fail, the judge refers the case to the Family Dispute Experts Section for arbitration, where both parties receive advice and guidance to resolve their differences. The department also offers a program called “Wafa” for couples-to-be, through which awareness and guidance on marital responsibilities and ways to prevent issues during married life are provided.

Al-Mishaal criticized the way divorce rates are often portrayed exaggeratedly in Kuwaiti dramas by depicting Kuwaiti society as one that is filled with divorced individuals. She emphasized that Kuwait has a high level of awareness regarding family issues, with many people seeking the department’s services before their problems escalate. Al-Mishaal also highlighted the importance of family education, particularly through the “Wafa” program, which prepares couples for marriage and helps reduce the likelihood of divorce.

The program provides future spouses with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities within marriage. She explained that for those who have already divorced, the department offers post-divorce counseling to help individuals cope with emotional challenges and maintain their well-being. The Family Reconciliation Center provides these services, including consultations for children to ensure they receive the necessary support after a divorce. In conclusion, Al-Mishaal emphasized that children thrive best when raised in a stable family environment, with both parents actively involved. She advised that even after divorce, parents should maintain a respectful relationship for the sake of their children’s emotional well-being. It is worth highlighting that the Family Dispute Experts Section at the Ministry of Justice continues to play a crucial role in resolving family issues and promoting a healthier, more stable family environment in Kuwait.