Divorce & dissolution
Guidance and representation from petition to decree absolute.
Practice area
Family & Divorce Law
Discreet, steady counsel through divorce, custody and family disputes — protecting what matters most, with particular care where children and assets are involved.
Overview
Personal matters, handled with care and clarity.
Family matters are among the most personal and high-stakes decisions anyone faces. We act with discretion and clarity for clients navigating separation, divorce and disputes over children — and keep the focus on the outcome you need for the years ahead.
Where businesses, multiple properties or overseas assets are involved, we work alongside our recovery-of-funds team to make sure nothing is hidden or lost. Where settlement is possible, we pursue it; where it is not, we represent you firmly.
Who we act for
- Spouses considering, or served with, a divorce petition
- Parents resolving custody, access and maintenance
- Business owners and high-net-worth families
- Nigerians in the diaspora with family matters at home
- Couples planning marriage who want clear financial arrangements
What we handle
Family matters we handle
Child custody & access
Custody, access and welfare arrangements centred on the child’s best interests.
Matrimonial property
Fair settlement of homes, businesses and investments — including complex or hidden assets.
Maintenance & support
Spousal and child maintenance, and enforcement where payments stop.
Prenuptial & settlement agreements
Agreements and negotiated settlements that protect your position.
High-net-worth & cross-border
Divorces involving significant assets, companies or assets in several countries.
Customary & Islamic marriages
Dissolution and related issues before customary, Area and Sharia courts.
Protection from violence
Urgent protection orders under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and state laws.
Mediation
Structured, confidential negotiation to reach agreement without a contested hearing.
Signs it’s time
When to call us
- You are considering separation or divorce
- You have been served with a divorce petition
- You and your spouse disagree about the children
- A spouse is moving or hiding assets
- You are marrying and want to protect assets
- You need urgent protection from abuse
The Nigerian framework
Statutory marriages (registry or licensed-church marriages) are dissolved under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1970 in the High Court. The only ground is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, proved by one of the facts in section 15(2).
Customary marriages are dissolved under the applicable customary law, and Islamic marriages under Islamic law before the appropriate courts. In all decisions about children, the child’s best interests are paramount — a principle reinforced by the Child’s Rights Act 2003 and its state equivalents.
Cross-border families
When one spouse lives abroad, or assets sit in another country, questions of where to file, recognition of foreign divorces, relocation of children and enforcement of orders become important.
We advise on the options, coordinate with lawyers overseas, and keep the process as calm and discreet as possible.
How we work
A clear process, from first call to resolution.
Listen
We understand your situation, priorities and concerns in confidence.
Advise
Clear options — negotiated settlement, mediation or firm representation.
Protect
We safeguard your interests, your children and your assets throughout.
Resolve
The most constructive outcome available, with dignity preserved.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can’t see your question? Ask us directly — a short, confidential conversation is the fastest way to clarity.
How long does a divorce take in Nigeria?
It depends on whether the divorce is contested and on the court’s calendar. After the court grants a decree nisi, it ordinarily becomes absolute after three months. Agreed matters move considerably faster than contested ones.
Can I file for divorce within two years of marriage?
Only with the court’s permission, which is granted in exceptional circumstances — for example, exceptional hardship or exceptional depravity. We can advise whether your situation qualifies.
Who gets custody of the children?
There is no automatic rule. The court decides based on the welfare and best interests of the child, looking at stability, care, education and the child’s relationships with each parent.
How is property divided?
The court can make settlement orders that are just and equitable in the circumstances, taking into account each spouse’s contributions, means and needs. Early disclosure and valuation of assets are essential.
We only had a traditional marriage. How do we divorce?
Customary marriages are dissolved under customary law, often before a customary court, and issues such as the return of bride price and the children’s arrangements are addressed. We can guide you through the process.
Will this go to court?
Not always. We pursue constructive settlement and mediation where possible, and represent you firmly where court is necessary.
Can you keep matters discreet?
Yes — discretion is central to how we work, particularly in sensitive family matters.
Do you handle asset-heavy divorces?
Yes. Where businesses, property or overseas assets are involved, our recovery-of-funds and financial crime practices work alongside the family team to protect your position.
Guides
Practical guides for this area
Free guide
Prenuptial agreements in Nigeria: what they can — and cannot — do
Why couples use prenups, how Nigerian courts view them, and how to make one as effective as possible.
Read the guide Members guideChildren first: agreeing custody and access arrangements
How courts approach custody in Nigeria, and how parents can agree arrangements that work for children.
Read the guide Free guidePreparing for a divorce consultation: what to bring
Make the most of your first meeting with a family lawyer — the documents and questions to prepare.
Read the guideInsights
Further reading
Family Law
Child maintenance in Nigeria: who pays, how much, and enforcement
Both parents must support their children. How maintenance is agreed, how courts assess it, and what to do…
Family Law
Divorce in Nigeria: grounds, process and what happens to property
How statutory marriages are dissolved under the Matrimonial Causes Act — the ground for divorce, the steps, children…
Facing a family matter? Talk to us in confidence.
A calm, discreet conversation is the best first step.