Sokolomo Vrs Dodoo [2022] GHADC 361 (29 November 2022)

Sokolomo Vrs Dodoo [2022] GHADC 361 (29 November 2022)

The marriage has broken down beyond reconciliation due to respondent's desertion for over three years. Custody of the children is awarded to petitioner as they have been in his care and respondent's explanations for relinquishing custody were not credible. Only the land at Ofaakor was proven to be jointly acquired; respondent is entitled to 30% of its value. No financial settlement is ordered as petitioner lacks sufficient assets and is responsible for maintenance of four children.

Citation
[2022] GHADC 361
Parties
Petitioner: William Sokolomo; Respondent: Mariam Dodoo
Court
District Court
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Judgment Date
29 November 2022
Procedural Posture
Divorce Petition and Cross Petition / Final Judgment
Outcome
Petition for divorce granted; cross-petition partially granted and partially dismissed.
Legal Topics
Divorce, Custody of Children, Division of Matrimonial Property, Financial Settlement, Maintenance
Source Language
English
Family Law Divorce Custody of Children Division of Matrimonial Property Financial Settlement Maintenance

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Parties

William Sokolomo

Petitioner

Mariam Dodoo

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Divorce Petition and Cross Petition / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the marriage has broken down beyond reconciliation
  2. 2 Whether custody of the children should be granted to petitioner with reasonable access to respondent
  3. 3 Whether assets acquired during the marriage should be shared equitably between the parties

Ratio Decidendi

The marriage has broken down beyond reconciliation due to respondent's desertion for over three years. Custody of the children is awarded to petitioner as they have been in his care and respondent's explanations for relinquishing custody were not credible. Only the land at Ofaakor was proven to be jointly acquired; respondent is entitled to 30% of its value. No financial settlement is ordered as petitioner lacks sufficient assets and is responsible for maintenance of four children.

Court Disposition

Petition for divorce granted; cross-petition partially granted and partially dismissed.

Orders

  • Marriage between William Sokolomo and Mariam Dodoo dissolved; decree of divorce granted.
  • Marriage certificate to be cancelled; certificate of divorce to be issued.