In Zambia, there is only one ground for divorce: that the marriage has broken down irretrievably [High Court Fees, S.31]. This is a "no-fault" system, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse. Instead, you must demonstrate that the relationship has permanently and irreversibly ended.
To file for divorce, you must be married under the Marriage Act, Chapter 50 of the Laws of Zambia, and you must wait at least one year from the date of marriage before presenting a petition to the High Court [High Court Fees, S.31]. This one-year waiting period is a mandatory requirement.
Once divorce is granted, you can separately apply for ancillary relief, which includes maintenance (financial support), custody of children, and property settlement. These matters can also be applied for at any stage of the divorce proceedings [High Court Fees, S.31]. If you need assistance with the divorce process, the Legal Aid Board and the Law Association of Zambia's Legal Aid Clinic for Women offer support to those unfamiliar with court procedures.