Nigeria: Family Law

A landmark Indian Supreme Court ruling on alimony has reignited debate about whether education and earning capacity should disqualify spouses from claiming maintenance after divorce. Nigerian law under the Matrimonial Causes Act takes a nuanced approach, weighing means, earning capacity, and conduct rather than applying automatic rules based on professional qualifications or employment status.

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

When a marriage ends in Nigeria, the absence of a prenuptial agreement can turn asset division into a prolonged legal battle that destroys the very wealth couples fought to protect. While prenups are not illegal under Nigerian law, their enforceability depends on careful drafting and judicial discretion under the "just and equitable" standard of Section 72(2) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1970.

Lately, I've been thinking about what happens when founders step back and how fragile legacy can become without structure.

This creative submission is in a bid to decongest courts in Nigeria, save taxpayers money, by ensuring data privacy of parties and preventing private affairs of citizens in civil suits to unclog the wheel of Nigeria's criminal justice system.

Disputes arise between members of the family due to disagreement over certain matters, and this may lead to a form of disharmony often tagged family disputes.

Navigating the process of divorce can be difficult, especially when it comes to the legal documentation required. One common question that arises is: Can you file for divorce without a marriage certificate in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Surrogacy Bill 2024 (the Bill) scaled second reading in the House of Representatives in October 2024.

Court orders and judgments are generally considered final, subject only to appeal to higher courts or could be set aside in a few circumstances permitted by the law