Assa-Irada,
8, April 2008

The divorce rate has increased in Azerbaijan in recent years, with different reasons cited for the alarming tendency.

Pscyhologists explain the development by the lack of responsibility among youths, but judiciary consultants argue that financial constraints are causing family break-ups. During court trials, it is often revealed that many families were started under a certain arrangement.

81,758 marriages and 8,343 divorces were registered in the country in 2007. The number of divorces went up by 523 compared to the previous year, according to the State Statistics Committee.

Along with newly-weds, the separating families include parents with two or more children.

Judiciary consultant Ulker Yusifova says most of the divorces are filed by women who cite financial constraints in most cases.

Under existing rules, the court approves a divorce within a month if the spouses reach agreement on the division of property. Otherwise, the proceedings are adjourned and they are given time to agree. The term used to extend over six months but was later halved.