Before filing for divorce, proper preparation is essential. This stage involves gathering all necessary documents to ensure compliance with Nigerian divorce law. Required documentation includes:
- Personal and Marriage Documents
- Financial Documentation
- Child Custody Considerations
- Adultery (include proof of adultery)
- Cruelty (include evidence of cruelty)

Once all documents are prepared, the divorce process proceeds as follows: Document Preparation and Filing:
- Your attorney collects your brief online and prepares a Notice of Petition along with the necessary supporting documents.
- You review the drafted documents to ensure they reflect your instructions accurately. The petition is then filed at the High Court in Rivers State (filing is done in Rivers State only for now, this is because it is the only State that supports fully remote proceedings).
Serving and Responding:
- Your spouse is formally served with the petition and accompanying documents, either personally or through a court-approved alternative method.
-The respondent (your spouse) submits an Answer in response to the petition.

In Nigeria, the courts generally require attempts at reconciliation before proceeding to trial.
- Prepare for the hearing by reviewing all filed documents and ensuring that original or certified copies are readily available.
Hearings are conducted via Zoom.
- In uncontested cases, the court may proceed swiftly without a full trial.
- In contested cases, both parties (or their legal representatives) will present arguments, supporting documents, and witness testimony.
Decisions on Ancillary Matters:
The court will address additional matters such as child custody, spousal support, and property division. We will connect you to legal practitioners that will handle your entire divorce process, with you participating from the comfort of your home

After the divorce is granted, your attorney will perform further legal steps that are necessary to complete the process:
Finalizing the Divorce:
- A Decree Nisi (temporary divorce order) is issued and becomes a Decree Absolute (final divorce certificate) after 90 days, in accordance with statutory law.
Administrative Updates:
- Maintain a detailed record of financial obligations and payments.
- Update your marital status on all official documents, such as passports, bank records, wills, and company records.
Unbound provides guidance to ensure smooth post-divorce documentation updates.