Even the issuing of a certificate of divorce served as a deterrent because, as part of the process of writing the certificate, the husband wanting a divorce had to consult duly authorized men, who would have endeavored to effect a reconciliation.
Lahutuskirja väljaandmine pigem hoidis lahutusi ära, kuna ühe osana selle kirja kirjutamise protsessist pidi abielumees, kes soovis lahutust, küsima nõu vastava volitusega meestelt, kes püüdsid saavutada lepitust.