Family law / Official process
Divorce in Botswana
The High Court process and documents identified in Botswana's public guidance on matrimonial cases.
Scope of this page
Botswana's government guidance places divorce, judicial separation and nullity proceedings in the High Court. The information below follows that published process and does not assess how it applies to an individual marriage.
Who may bring the action
- Either party to a marriage may bring an action for divorce, judicial separation or nullity before the High Court.
- The government page identifies irretrievable breakdown of the marriage as the ground for divorce.
- The same page records restrictions on filing during the first two years after registration of the marriage, subject to the exceptional circumstances described there.
Starting the published process
- The applicant files a writ of summons using Summons Form 2, with changes required by the circumstances.
- The original originating process and four copies are taken to the Civil Registry in Gaborone, Francistown or Lobatse.
- The official guidance lists the original marriage certificate, or a certified copy, among the supporting documents.
Orders described by the court service
The government page distinguishes a provisional order from the final divorce order.
- After the court's process, a decree nisi may be granted.
- The page states that an application for a decree absolute may be made six weeks after the decree nisi.
- The overall duration is not fixed and may depend on opposition to the divorce and the availability of trial dates.
Verify the current process
Official source
Adjudication of Matrimonial Cases
Published by Government of Botswana. This source was checked on 2026-08-03.
This page provides general information drawn from the official source linked above. It is not advice about a particular matter. Court and government requirements can change; confirm the current process with the relevant office before acting.
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