Today’s broken family

There are many reasons why families break up these days. Some of the

reasons include miscommunication, infidelity, addictions, religious

beliefs or even disagreements on finances. Yet nothing makes a broken family as permanent as divorce does.

I had an interview with Mr M Letsoalo, a lawyer, who said that divorce rates are on the rise in South Africa.

Maggie : In your opinion what are the most common reasons for divorce?

ML : There are many reasons why people choose to divorce, for example: unfaithfulness, abusive spouses, financial instability, incompatibility, constant arguments and intolerance.

Maggie: Would you agree that the rate of divorce is escalating?

ML: Yes, the divorce court in Johannesburg deals with many divorce cases every day. I think for some it has now become a game where they can divorce today and marry someone else the following day.

Maggie : Why do you think Christians even contemplate divorce?

ML: Christians who resort to divorce might think that God cannot solve the problems in their marriages.

Even though they know God’s laws concerning marriage, they still choose to divorce. If a couple does not trust each other they cannot work together. You have to trust your partner in order to remain in a partnership. When a Christian is faithful to God, they are most likely to be faithful to their partners.

Maggie: In your opinion when do you think that marriage is over?

ML: A marriage has failed when the couple feels that they cannot be reconciled again. As a lawyer I can do my best to inform them about their decision, but I cannot make the decision for them. However, I do advise individuals that it is not guaranteed that when one divorces he/ she will find the right partner afterwards.

Maggie : Are the legal grounds for divorce different from the biblical ones?

ML: Yes, legally people can divorce for any reason. Divorce has now become something that society no longer frowns upon. But biblically, people should only divorce when there has been infidelity in the marriage.

Maggie: Before going to court, what advice do you give your clients?

ML: I always ask if they are sure they want to separate. I try to counsel them and find out the reason behind

their decision. Sometimes, if the couple has children, I ask them to think about how their decision would affect them.

Maggie: What advice do you have for people thinking about getting married?

ML: If you make a mistake in choosing the right partner, you might end up in divorce court. I believe that people should be very certain before they get married. Speak to your parents, spiritual leaders or anyone you trust to help you make this very important decision.

Maggie: How do you think Christians can succeed in their marriage?

ML: I believe that Christians should get guidance from God when dealing with issues in their marriage. The

Bible is rich in information on how to develop stronger relationships and how to mature in your marriage.