What is the ruling of Islamic law concerning how to deal with a wife who is remiss in the rights of her household and frequently leaves for her family's home, and is it permissible for the husband to seek divorce or marry another while this wife is still present?

There should be no haste in divorce. Rather, lawful means should be employed to reconcile the wife, including admonition, then shunning (in bed), then light striking, and seeking assistance from two arbiters from their families, as mentioned in Surat An-Nisa, verses 34-35.

It is also possible to admonish her by means of some tapes or lectures that address family life, or by directing her to ask scholars. One should also investigate the reasons for her aversion and address them with frankness. If all means are exhausted and reconciliation fails, then there is no harm in divorcing her with a single revocable divorce.

Scholars have recommended this, as Sheikh Al-Sa'di said in his interpretation of the verse: (وَاللَّاتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ) [And as for those women from whom you fear defiance], that she should be disciplined with the easiest means first, by admonition, then if that does not work, by shunning her in the bed, and if that does not work, by light striking. If they obey, then do not seek a way against them. The Permanent Committee stated the necessity of advising the wife, and if she does not reform, then shunning, and if that is not effective, then light striking. If she obeys, then cohabit with her righteously. If reconciliation is not possible, then patience or separation. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen mentioned that reconciliation is achieved through two arbiters if the discord is between the two parties.