The Ministry of Justice plans to launch a study that would determine the reasons for the spiraling divorce rate in the country, and devise an awareness campaign to warn couples of potential pitfalls.

Nasser Al-Awd, adviser to the justice minister on community programs, told Arab News on Tuesday that ministry researchers would ask couples 10 questions on the reasons for their decision to divorce.

Researchers and family welfare professionals would analyze the data to determine causes, and then formulate solutions to counter this new social plague, said Al-Awd.

He conceded that it would be hard to get personal information from couples, but the data gathered would provide some evidence for researchers to develop a counter strategy. The project would focus on the ages of couples, cultural and educational background, customs and traditions of their families, attitude toward life and intellectual compatibility. Researchers would also look at their financial state, dowry and marriage expenses, their type of residence, the women’s work, and the men’s acceptance or disapproval of their wives joining the labor force.

The researchers would also attempt to determine whether the women were allowed to spend their money without interference from their husbands.

The ministry would take a close look at whether differences in age have an impact on divorce rates. It would also gather information on the number and ages of their children; and whether they had been married previously.

Al-Awd said the ministry wants to gather accurate information on divorce rates and their impact on society and the judiciary. The ministry wants to publish a guidebook to warn couples on potential threats to their marriages.