Nigeria: Divorce

The Dr. Tosin Ajayi estate case reveals a critical legal distinction that affects inheritance rights in Nigeria: separation does not legally end a marriage. After 35 years apart, the Lagos State High Court ruled that Dr. Ajayi's first wife remained his sole lawful widow, demonstrating how marital status determines who controls estates, inherits assets, and manages business interests. This landmark case exposes the costly consequences of assuming that time and distance can dissolve a marriage without formal

For business owners and professionals in Nigeria, divorce can disrupt boardrooms, hinder decision-making, and drain finances through prolonged court battles. What if there was a way to navigate separation that prioritizes structure over blame, protects your reputation and assets...

Divorce law in Nigeria is not governed by one single system. The applicable law depends mainly on the type of marriage contracted by the parties. Broadly, marriages in Nigeria may be statutory, customary, or Islamic. A statutory marriage is a marriage celebrated under the Marriage Act, usually at a marriage registry or licensed place of worship. Divorce of a statutory marriage is governed principally by the Matrimonial Causes Act and the Matrimonial Causes Rules.

When marriages end by way of divorce or when parties are separated, the question of entitlement to maintenance either by way of spousal support or child support often arises.

Child custody in Nigeria is a complex legal issue governed by various laws, including the Child Rights Act, the Child Rights Law of states, the Matrimonial Causes Act, and customary laws.

In Nigeria, marriages can be classified as statutory or customary/Islamic marriage. Customary marriages are marriages contracted in accordance with the dictates of the native laws and customs. Customary

The Holy Book couldn't have said it better that ‘Children indeed are the gift of God, and happy is a man that has his quiver full of them". One of the most sensitive parts of a divorce proceeding is the custody...

The astronomical rate of matrimonial causes in Nigeria has become worrisome in recent times, a development which constantly leaves the fate of children of such marriages...

Unlike marriage, getting divorce ("Decree of Dissolution") in Nigeria, is no walk in the park. The process can be overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes messy if not properly managed.