FAMILY LAW . DIVORCE
Divorce, handled with discretion and care.
Ending a marriage is one of the hardest decisions you will make. Ren Attorneys gives clear, confidential advice on divorce in Nigeria, protecting your children, your finances, and your peace of mind while resolving matters as calmly as the law allows.
-
The marriage has broken down irretrievably, proved by one of eight facts set out in the Matrimonial Causes Act.
-
A petition within two years of marriage needs the court’s permission, except on limited grounds.
-
A decree nisi first; it becomes absolute after three months, when you are free to remarry.
-
In custody decisions the court treats the child’s welfare as the paramount consideration.
How you married decides how you divorce
WHERE TO BEGIN
Nigeria recognises three kinds of marriage, and each is dissolved in a different forum under different rules. We start by confirming which applies to you.
STATUTORY MARRIAGE
Registry or licensed church wedding
Celebrated under the Marriage Act. Dissolved only by the High Court under the Matrimonial Causes Act. In Abuja, that is the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE
Traditional marriage rites
Dissolved under the customary law of the parties, through the families or before a Customary or Area Court, often including the return of bride price where custom requires it.
ISLAMIC MARRIAGE
Marriage under Islamic law
Dissolved under Islamic law, including talaq and khul’, with disputes heard by an Area Court or Sharia Court applying Islamic personal law.
What happens, step by step
THE DIVORCE PROCESS
For a statutory marriage before the High Court. We explain each stage before it happens, so nothing takes you by surprise.
01
Confidential consultation
We listen, confirm your type of marriage and the facts you can rely on, and set out your options, including whether reconciliation or settlement is realistic.
04
Hearing
Evidence is given and witnesses heard. The court may pause proceedings if there is a reasonable chance of reconciliation.
02
Filing the petition
We draft and file your petition, with a verifying affidavit and the required certificate, at the appropriate High Court.
05
Decree nisi
If satisfied, the court grants a decree nisi, alongside orders on children, maintenance and property where sought
03
Service & response
Your spouse is served and may file an answer or cross-petition. Where a spouse cannot be found, we apply for substituted service.
06
Decree absolute
Three months later the decree becomes absolute. The marriage is dissolved and both parties are free to remarry.
BEYOND THE DECREE
Protecting what matters most
A divorce is about more than ending the marriage. We make sure the arrangements that follow are fair, workable, and lasting.
Custody & access
Arrangements for where your children live and how both parents stay involved, always guided by their welfare.
Maintenance
Financial support for a spouse and for children’s upkeep and schooling, including interim support during proceedings.
Property settlement
A just and equitable division of the matrimonial home, land, businesses and other assets, whoever holds title.
Alternatives to divorce
Judicial separation, nullity where a marriage was never valid, and mediated settlements that keep matters out of open court.
OUR APPROACH
Calm counsel. Firm when it matters.
We aim to resolve matters with the least conflict and cost, and we are fully prepared to protect your interests in court when agreement is not possible.
Absolute discretion
Private meetings, careful communication and respect for your family’s reputation throughout.
Children first
We help parents reach arrangements that give children stability and keep both parents involved where safe.
Settlement before litigation
Negotiation and mediation first, reducing cost, delay and strain on everyone involved.
Clear, agreed fees
You know our fees and the likely court costs in writing before we begin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does a divorce take in Nigeria?
It depends on whether your spouse contests the petition and on the court’s calendar. An undefended petition moves much faster than a contested one, and the decree absolute follows three months after the decree nisi.
Can I divorce within two years of getting married?
Only with the court’s permission, granted in cases of exceptional hardship or depravity, or where the petition relies on grounds such as refusal to consummate or adultery.
Do I need my spouse’s agreement?
No. Most grounds do not need consent. Only the two-years-apart ground requires that your spouse does not object; after three years apart, no consent is needed.
We married abroad. Can we divorce in Nigeria?
Generally yes, if the petitioner is domiciled in Nigeria. A marriage validly celebrated abroad can be dissolved by a Nigerian High Court.
Who gets custody of the children?
There is no automatic rule for mothers or fathers. The court decides based on the children’s welfare, considering their age, stability, schooling and each parent’s circumstances.
Questions clients ask us
CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
Talk it through with us, in private
Share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. A family lawyer will contact you within one business day, using only the method you choose.
14 Makurdi Street, Garki Area 10. Abuja, FCT
[PHONE NUMBER] +2348096152000
[EMAIL ADDRESS] INFO@RENATTORNEYS.COM