A divorce means the ending of the marriage. Other matters, involving custody and maintenance are called “ancillary relief”.

You need the services of an Attorney-at-Law to draft and file the relevant documents in the Supreme Court of Jamaica on your behalf.

There is a government-imposed fee of $5000.00, payable at the Stamp Office (Tax Administration Jamaica) on filing the application. For further information on costs and legal fees contact us directly by email or telephone.

There is only one ground in Jamaica, that is, irretrievable breakdown. Faults such as adultery, cruelty, abuse, etc, are not necessary to obtain a divorce.

Irretrievable breakdown is proved by one year living separately and apart.

Couples can be separated under the same roof if they can show evidence that their marriage has broken down. The court must be satisfied that the couple doesn’t:

• Attend social functions together as man and wife
• Cook for each other
• Perform household duties for each other
• Share a bedroom

You will need a marriage certificate.

If the divorce is not contested, you do not need to attend court.

You can still obtain a divorce. You may make an application to the court to dispense with personal service of the divorce documents and for what is called “substituted service”. Contact us for further details.

Unless the separation is less than 12 months or there is a real prospect of reconciliation, you cannot contest a divorce. If the court is not satisfied that proper child maintenance is being paid, or is not satisfied that the children are seeing both parents, a divorce can be delayed. Contact us for further details.

It takes an average of nine months to be completed.

After the “Decree Absolute” is granted by the court. You need to produce this document in the event you wish to remarry.

You can start your divorce proceedings after at least 2 years of marriage and 1 year of separation.