You can apply for a Divorce at the Family Justice Courts independently and without engaging a lawyer.
You must understand and fulfil the formal requirements of conducting the case on your own (e.g. file or submit documents to Court in the correct format, pay filing or administrative fees, speaking and providing information in Court)
As the Family Justice Courts won’t provide you with any advice on what you should do, you must consult a qualified lawyer if you want to get legal advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your case. The lawyer can also help by preparing the needed documents and appearing in Court on your behalf.
A Divorce is obtained by formally submitting documents and information to the Family Justice Court to address the following issues:
Showing that a Divorce should be given (e.g. proving the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage through adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation)
Dealing with all other vital issues resulting from the Divorce (also known as Ancillary Matters) such as:
Maintenance of the Wife and Children (e.g. financial support)
Custody, Care and Control of as well as Access (e.g. visitation rights) to the Children
Division of the matrimonial assets (e.g. matrimonial home)
