This paper addresses issues concerning the resolution of marital disputes outside the home and family setting. The main focus is on the Department of Social Welfare (DSW), which, alongside other state institutions, is colloquially referred to as aban by Asante Twi speakers. The DSW is the government agency mandated to mediate in marital disputes concerning child and spousal maintenance, child custody, child paternity, and family/child welfare in general. As a government institution that is explicitly supportive of women’s rights, the conflict mediation procedure of the DSW provides insight into the role of the state in marital relations in particular and gender relations in general. In terms of approach and procedure for marital dispute resolution, the DSW occupies the middle ground between the flexible lineage processes and the rigid state courts. As such, the meaning and interpretation given to concepts like marriage, spousal obligations, child care, and spousal abuse often differ from perceptions held by individual parties whose cases are heard there. In particular, the bias towards women and children makes this forum an unfavourable ground for men. On the other hand, the tough stance against divorce and the emphasis on reconciliation also makes this forum unattractive to women seeking a way out of abusive marriages. All these factors influence the outcome of the conflict resolution process as well as general understandings of marital obligations and gender. They impact on people’s decisions about the suitable forum for conflict resolution and the terms in which marital obligations are negotiated.