Statistics from the 2007 CNMI judiciary report showed a total of 952 divorce cases during the five-year period.
The records showed an up and down trend in divorce cases, with 2006 as the highest posting — a total of 233 cases — and 2003 as the lowest with 155 cases filed.
Second in rank were the Family Protection Act cases which recorded 859 cases filed for the same five-year period, followed by adoption cases — 442.
The other case types filed with the Family Court Division: paternity cases, 292; juvenile cases, 274; guardianship, 242; Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, 113; change of name, 112; wardship, 48; civil commitment, 31, guardian ad litem, 19; annulment, 9; Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, 6; petition to correct birth certificate, 2; and emancipation. 1.
There were no alimony cases during the five-year period.
The annual report also showed a significant increase in the filing of family protection cases, guardianship, and wardship cases in 2007 compared to the previous years.
According to the judiciary, during the five-year period, the number of case filings steadily increased: 549 in 2003; 612 in 2004; 701 in 2005; 762 in 2006; and 780 last year.
Of the 780 cases filed with the Family Court Division last year, 20 were filed on Tinian and 25 on Rota.
The court disposed 489 of the total cases filed last year, representing about 62 percent, while 291 cases remain pending.
