MzAgams has explained Nigerian divorce and child-custody law since 2011. These guides combine Nigerian legislation, case law and practical experience to help readers understand how statutory divorce, custody, maintenance and matrimonial property actually work.
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The Case of the ₦30,000 Child Support and the Woman Who Forgot It Existed
(A Cautionary Tale from the Trenches of Nigerian Divorce Law) By MzAgams There are moments in a lawyer’s career that test the soul. For surgeons, it’s the first time a patient codes. For pilots, it’s turbulence. For divorce lawyers in Nigeria, it’s when your client forgets she’s been collecting child support for nine years. Yes, nine years.…
Key Legal Implications of Statutory Marriage in Nigeria
In Nigeria, a statutory marriage, also known as a court or legal marriage, is a marriage that is conducted in accordance with the Marriage Act. Here are some of the key legal implications of a statutory marriage in Nigeria: It’s important to note that there are also customary marriages in Nigeria, which are conducted according…
Looking For An Online Divorce Service in Nigeria?
Are you tired of the long and expensive process of getting a divorce in Nigeria? Do you wish there was an easier, more affordable way to navigate the legal system and move on with your life? Introducing our online divorce service – the revolutionary new way to get divorced in Nigeria. With our service, you…
Marriage Among The Igbo of South East Nigeria
The Igbo people have a rich and unique marriage tradition that is still practiced to this day. In this blog post, we will explore the various elements of Igbo marriage customs and traditions. Marriage among the Igbo people of southeast Nigeria is a complex and highly valued institution. Traditionally, marriage was not just a union…
Parental Responsibility in Nigeria: A Guide to Rights & Procedures
Learn all you need to know about parental responsibility in Nigeria, including the legal framework for filing claims, court jurisdiction, and notable cases. Get a comprehensive guide to asserting your rights as a parent in Nigeria. Under the Nigerian Child Rights Act, parental responsibility refers to the obligations and rights that parents have towards their…
What Is An Easy Divorce Process in In Nigeria?
In Nigeria, the legal framework for divorce process is governed by various laws, including the Marriage Act, the Matrimonial Causes Act, and the Child Rights Act. The process of obtaining a divorce in Nigeria can be complex and challenging, and may involve issues related to property division, child custody, and spousal support. Under Nigerian law,…
Understanding the Marital Property Regime in Nigeria
Learn about the different types of marital property regimes in Nigeria and how they can affect your assets in case of divorce or death of a spouse. In Nigeria, there are two main marital property regimes: customary law and statutory law. Under customary law, marital property is governed by the customs and traditions of the…
Divorce in Nigeria: The Advantages of a No-Fault Divorce Under Section 15(f) of the Matrimonial Causes Act
Discover the many advantages of a no-fault divorce in Nigeria using section 15(f) of the Matrimonial Causes Act. Simplify your divorce process today. Introduction Divorce is a difficult and emotional experience, no matter where you are in the world. However, in Nigeria, the process of getting a divorce can be especially challenging. The country’s legal…
Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Navigating the Process of Divorce in Nigeria
As a legal professional in Nigeria, I have seen many clients struggle with the process of divorce. It can be emotionally and financially draining, and navigating the legal system can be overwhelming. In this article, I will provide an overview of the divorce process in Nigeria, including the legal requirements, grounds for divorce, child custody…
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Divorce in Nigeria
Going through a divorce can be a difficult process, but understanding the steps involved can make it easier. This guide provides a step-by-step process for filing for divorce in Nigeria.
Are Nigeria’s Divorce Rates Rising?
Divorce rates are rising. According to a report published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2019, the country recorded an average of 0.5 divorce cases per 1000 population between 2014 and 2016. However, this increased to 1.1 cases per 1000 population between 2017 and 2018. Is Nigeria’s Rising Divorce Rates Linked to Increased…
This Is How To Get a Divorce in Nigeria
What are the two types of recognized marriage in Nigeria, and what is the difference between them in terms of how they are contracted? Which type of marriage requires a Form E certificate to be presented to the court in order to be considered a statutory marriage? Why is it important to know what type…
A Brief History of Statutory Marriage In Nigeria
Brief History of Marriage In Nigeria Some people firmly believe that marriage was ordained by their God and should never under any circumstances be dissolved. Like most social institutions the truth is much more prosaic. In this post I’m going to give you a brief history of marriage in Nigeria. Marriage as we know it…
Bigamy In Nigeria
Recently a number of celebrities contracted new marriages. Not necessarily news except that in one case the Male celebrity contracted a second marriage under customary law and in the other case a celebrity contracted a second marriage in a church while his first marriage was still subsisting according to his first wife that said she…
Re-Locating Children After A Divorce
A question I often get asked is whether a custodial parent can relocate out of the jurisdiction with the child/ren. Most custody orders specifically state that the consent the non-custodial parent is required for travel out of jurisdiction. In addition most embassies in Nigeria demand consent of both parents before issuing a travel visa to…
We Should All Be Like Kim During A Divorce
I’m sure you want you want to be dignified and resilient in the face of a difficult divorce from a difficult ex. Maybe you’re trying real hard to be but there are those moments when your emotions hijack you and leave you spitting like a hell cat. Kim right now is a good role model…
Child Custody: When Your Spouse Ignores Court Orders?
Precious Chikwendu and women’s rights in custody matters in Nigeria
Will You Have to Pay Spousal Maintenance to HIM?
A wife can be responsible for providing support to her husband post-divorce just like a husband can be responsible for providing support to his ex-wife.
Are Prenups Valid in Nigeria & Other FAQs
While high net worth men that initiate divorce often evict their spouse from the matrimonial home without any assets whatsoever, and often even without her personal effects, high net worth women often lose joint property to their spouse when divorcing
How To Register a Statutory Marriage in Nigeria
Marriage is registered at a local public registry or the marriage registry usually found at every local government secretariat The intending couple files a Letter of Marriage Intention and pays of a fee of Naira 2,000. A person under 18 years of age, who wishes to register a marriage, is required to present a letter of…
How To Get A Court Marriage in Nigeria
The Nigerian Marriage Act, cap 218, Laws of the Federation 1990 lays down the requirements for the solemnization of marriage under the statute. Before the celebration of the marriage, parties shall sign and give to the Registrar of the district in which the marriage is intended to take place, a notice in the prescribed form known…
Child Custody in Nigeria FAQ: Who Owns The Child? II
‘Ownership’ of children is a feature of many customary laws in Nigeria. Customary laws vary from one tribal group to the other. In some Igbo-Nigerian communities payment of the bride price determines ‘ownership’ of children. In ‘An Anatomy of Female Power’ Chinweizu has previously argued that the payment of bride price in Nigeria does not…
Child Custody in Nigeria FAQ: Who Owns The Child?
First of all we really need to stop thinking in terms of ‘ownership’ of children. Children are not chattel. You do not own a child. They are little people. Dependent little people and adults are parents, guardians, care takers and providers. Not owners. That said what people usually mean when they ask that question is who…
Interim Child Custody Order Under Matrimonial Causes Act in Nigeria
Section 71 of the Matrimonial Causes Act is clear that the ‘courts shall regard the interests of the children as the paramount consideration when awarding custody of children in a matrimonial cause under the MCA. This is supported by extensive case law. The Supreme Court in WILLIAMS V WILLIAMS (1987) LPELR-8050 set out the principles…
Nigerian Case Law on Child Custody
I’ve received a lot of enquiries on custody of children in Nigeria and decided to write an update with some decisions made by the courts. In Nwosu v. Nwosu (2012) 8 NWLR Pt 1301 – the court of appeal held – On the right of parents over custody of children of a marriage The Court…
Dealing With A Divorce in Nigeria
You finally did it you took the plunge you files a divorce petition against that no good cheating night crawling broke ass violent abusive spouse of yours. So why are you feeling blue? Why are you crying at the slightest ting like a woman a hormonal imbalance? Why are you avoiding people and places? Why…
What You Need To Do Before Getting A Divorce in Nigeria (Updated 2026)
Divorce preparation begins before the petition is filed. This updated Nigerian guide explains the legal, financial, child-custody, safety and evidence steps to take before starting the process.
Proving Adultery & Intolerability
Its not enough to establish that a party to a marriage has committed adultery ( and contrary to what I have read elsewhere recently it DOES NOT only apply to the wife or female party). Remember evidence of adultery can be circumstantial, the court will consider preponderance of evidence and not proof beyond reasonable doubt.…
Domestic Violence As Grounds for Divorce in Nigeria
Domestic violence is a crime known as spousal battery under the federal Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2015. Eighteen states of Nigeria have passed state VAPP laws. They are Federal Capital Territory, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Oyo. Lagos has the Protection…
Cruelty As Grounds For Divorce In Nigeria
Cruelty is an old common law ground for divorce which does not exist under the Matrimonial Causes Act but can be used to establish that the respondent has behaved in ways that the petitioner can no longer be reasonably expected to live with him or her as provided in section 15(2)(c) which states as follows:…
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