How does divorce works in Nigeria?
What chance does a woman have of leaving her marital home, can a woman initiate divorce?
What happens if the other party contests to the petition and refuses to sign?


For a friend in an abusive relationship for whom enough is enough.

Yes, get a good and experienced lawyer _{and have some good cash too}. Also weigh the pros and cons cos you don't want to start a battle you can't finish.

A woman in Nigeria can get a divorce. Was she married in the Registry or traditional wedding?
there is nothing unusual about it.
Are there children involved?
the most important place is the welfare office. They also give advice.
They play a roll not to be underestimated, when it comes to custody issues. And the courts place great emphasis on their findings.
Now the important thing to note about a divorce is that it is not an issue of right or wrong.
all she needs to prove is that the marriage has broken down IRRETRIEVABLY .
When it comes to custody, the WELL-BEING of the children is the major factor to be considered.
Any averagely good lawyer can handle a divorce case.
IF she follows these steps she would be okay.
One more important thing.
She has to be able to reach the lawyer at all times. A very good lawyer who is not easily accessible can be a catastrophe.
It might be the man gets aggressive or tries to take the kids and she would need fast injunctions or interim orders.