Family Law

Family law governs legal relationships within the family unit, addressing rights, duties, and obligations that arise between spouses, parents, and children. Its goal is to promote fairness, protect vulnerable members, and preserve the welfare of children and dependants.

4.1 What is it?

Family law governs legal relationships within the family unit, addressing rights, duties, and obligations that arise between spouses, parents, and children. It also regulates marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody, inheritance, and protection from domestic abuse or violence. The goal of family law is to promote fairness, protect vulnerable members of the family, and preserve the welfare of children and dependants.

4.2 Areas covered?

Family law spans a wide range of personal and domestic issues that affect individuals and families.

Marriage and Matrimonial Causes

Covering the formation, validity, and dissolution of marriages under statutory, customary, and Islamic law, including annulments and separations.

Divorce and Judicial Separation

Legal processes for dissolving marriages, determining grounds for divorce, financial settlements, alimony, and property division.

Child Custody and Maintenance

Determining custody, guardianship, access rights, and maintenance obligations to ensure the welfare and best interests of the child.

Domestic Violence and Protection Orders

Providing protection from abuse through restraining orders, police intervention, and enforcement of victims’ rights under laws like the VAPP Act.

Paternity, Legitimacy, and Child Rights

Addressing paternity establishment, legitimacy, child support, and recognition of children born out of wedlock.

ADR in Family Matters

Encouraging mediation, reconciliation, and arbitration to resolve sensitive family disputes amicably.

4.3 Legal Framework - Key Laws

Matrimonial Causes Act, Cap. M7, LFN 2004: Governs marriage, divorce, maintenance, and custody for statutory marriages.
Marriage Act, Cap. M6, LFN 2004: Provides for the formal celebration and registration of statutory marriages.
Child’s Rights Act, Cap. C50, LFN 2004: Protects the rights and welfare of children, including guardianship and adoption.
Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Cap. V5, LFN 2015 (VAPP Act): Prohibits all forms of domestic violence and harmful practices.
Customary and Sharia Laws: Apply in cases of customary or Islamic marriages, inheritance, and divorce.

4.4 Who are our clients?

Individuals and couples seeking guidance on marriage or divorce.
Parents and guardians involved in custody or maintenance disputes.
Dependants seeking protection or enforcement of rights.
Legal entities requiring guidance in family-related matters.

4.6 How can we help?

We help clients navigate sensitive family matters with professionalism, compassion, and discretion, focusing on sound legal advice and amicable settlement.

Legal Advice and Documentation

Offering sound legal advice on marriage, divorce, and maintenance issues, and preparing/reviewing wills and custody agreements.

Amicable Settlement

Facilitating the amicable settlement of family disputes through mediation and negotiation.

Child Welfare Protection

Ensuring the protection of children’s rights and welfare in all proceedings.

Coordinated Representation

Collaborating with external counsel when litigation is necessary, ensuring strong and coordinated representation.

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