AZE.US
Divorce is becoming a more widely discussed social issue in Azerbaijan, as experts and citizens debate why more families are breaking apart.
According to data from the Ministry of Justice, 48,477 marriages and approximately 20,676 divorces were officially registered in the country in 2025. Although the number of divorces has slightly decreased compared with previous years, specialists say the figures still reflect deeper challenges facing the institution of family.
Opinions among residents in the capital, Baku, vary widely. Some believe responsibility for a breakup usually lies with both partners.
“Sometimes the man is at fault, sometimes the woman. There can also be financial problems or everyday conflicts. In most cases both sides share responsibility – one may be 10 percent at fault and the other 90 percent, but both still play a role,” one resident said.
Others note that attitudes toward marriage have changed over time.
“In the past people believed they should stay together for life no matter what. Today many think that if a relationship no longer works, there is no reason to continue it. Society is changing – perhaps this is a transition period,” another resident said.
Sociologists say that serious addictions or major conflicts are not always the main causes of divorce. Instead, many breakups stem from everyday disagreements and growing intolerance between spouses.
According to experts, the inability to control emotions during conflicts often escalates minor arguments into serious disputes, sometimes involving insults and mutual accusations.
The legal landscape has also changed. Previously, women were more likely to initiate divorce – often due to cases of domestic violence. Today, however, lawyers say the number of men filing for divorce has also increased.
Legal experts point to several factors behind the trend, including psychological pressure within relationships, economic hardship, and situations in which couples feel unable to continue living together.
Another important issue is housing conditions. The lack of independent housing and the need to live with extended family members can create tension between spouses.
Lawyers also highlight the interference of relatives in family affairs as a frequent source of conflict.
Parents, in-laws, and even siblings sometimes become actively involved in the personal matters of couples, which can intensify disagreements and accelerate the breakdown of marriages.
Experts say that for now, economic difficulties, outside interference from relatives, and declining tolerance between partners remain among the key factors contributing to divorce in Azerbaijan.