Support when it matters most
Family matters are personal and often emotional. We take a calm, measured approach: listening carefully, explaining where you stand under Jamaican law, and helping you reach practical arrangements — by agreement where possible and through the courts where necessary.
How we help
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage) and separation
- Custody, care and control, and access arrangements for children
- Child and spousal maintenance applications and variations
- Division of the family home and other matrimonial property
- Rights of common-law (unmarried) spouses
- Separation and settlement agreements
- Representation in the Supreme Court and Parish Courts
Divorce in Jamaica
In Jamaica, a petition for divorce is generally based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, shown by the parties having lived separately and apart for at least twelve months. We guide you through the petition, the decree nisi and the decree absolute, and advise on arrangements for children and property along the way.
Children come first
Where children are involved, the court’s paramount consideration is their welfare. We help parents put workable arrangements in place for custody, access and maintenance, and we encourage solutions that reduce conflict wherever possible.
Property between spouses
Jamaican law sets out how the family home and other property may be divided between spouses, including qualifying common-law spouses. We explain your rights clearly and work toward a fair outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How long must we be separated before filing for divorce in Jamaica?
Generally, spouses must have lived separately and apart for at least twelve months before a petition for dissolution of marriage can be filed. We can advise on your specific circumstances.
Do I have property rights if we were not married?
In some cases, yes. A qualifying common-law spouse may have rights to share in the family home and other property. We can review your situation and explain your options.
Can custody and maintenance be agreed without going to court?
Often, yes. Many families reach agreement with legal guidance, and that agreement can be formalised. Where agreement is not possible, we can make the appropriate application to court.
Is my family matter kept confidential?
Yes. All family matters are handled with strict confidentiality and discretion.