Abstract: | This paper highlights the main ways in which the Matrimonial Causes Decree 1970 has improved on the previous law and also points out the ways in which it has not gone far enough. To the opinion of the author the Decree is more satisfactory than the previous position, in that not only does it give legal independence, but it also reflects the values of the Nigerian society and it has replaced uncertainty by certainty. This is illustrated in the following sections: Void marriages Voidable marriages - Dissolution of marriages - Defences to a petition for dissolution Discretionary bars - Reconciliation - Presumption of legitimacy - Disappointment Conclusion. Notes. |