Divorce in Jamaica
Filing for divorce in Jamaica, from petition through to your Decree Absolute, whether you live here or abroad. Your spouse does not have to agree to the divorce or sign the papers. Your professional fee is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
The Essentials
How divorce works in Jamaica
Divorce in Jamaica is granted on one ground, that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This is shown by the spouses having lived separately and apart for at least twelve months. An undefended petition can often be considered on written evidence, but the court may require further evidence or a hearing.
01
What the law requires
The marriage must have broken down irretrievably, shown by living apart for at least twelve months. In most cases the marriage should be at least two years old.
02
The three stages
A petition is filed at the Supreme Court of Jamaica, a Decree Nisi is granted, then the Decree Absolute follows and formally ends the marriage.
03
Living overseas
You do not need to be in Jamaica. We prepare and file everything and can arrange for your documents to be signed abroad.
Divorce.
Handled from filing through to your Decree Absolute, with your professional fee confirmed in writing before any work begins.
- Preparation of the petition and all supporting documents
- Filing at the Supreme Court of Jamaica
- Coordination of service and consent orders where applicable
- Follow-through to your Decree Absolute
Uncontested means unchallenged: your spouse does not have to agree or sign. The attorney checks the separation facts, any potential substantive challenge and any unresolved maintenance, custody or property issue before accepting instructions.
Books directly into our calendar. The consultation fee is shown before you confirm.
What We Handle
Divorce
We assist with divorce proceedings where the petition is not defended and no dispute needs to be resolved about the separation facts, maintenance, custody or property. Agreement between spouses is not a prerequisite. Our service covers the full preparation and filing process.
Our service includes:
- Preparation of the divorce petition and supporting documents
- Filing at the Supreme Court of Jamaica
- Guidance on grounds for divorce under Jamaican law
- Preparation of consent orders where applicable
- Coordination of service on the other party
- Follow-up through to the Decree Absolute
Please note: tell us about any challenge to the separation facts or any unresolved maintenance, custody or property issue. If you are unsure, the attorney must review the position. Where a dispute requires representation, we can provide a referral to an appropriate practitioner.
For Your First Meeting
Divorce Checklist.
Please bring or send the items below before your first appointment. We will take certified copies of any originals and return them to you the same day.
- Marriage CertificateCompulsory
Original. If unavailable, we can apply for a certified copy from the RGD on your behalf for a separate fee.
- Government-issued IdentificationRequired
Passport, driver's licence or voter's ID.
- Photographs of the RespondentIf Applicable
Required if you need a bailiff or process server to serve the divorce documents on your spouse.
- Legal Fees
Your professional fee is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Children
If ApplicableIf there are children of the marriage, born during the marriage to either party or both, please also bring:
Original or Certified Birth Certificate
For each child of the marriage.
Day-to-day care information
Living arrangements, school and religious activities and any other matter relating to the child's welfare, for disclosure in the petition.
For general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Possession of this document does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Want a printable copy? Press Ctrl P (or ⌘ P on Mac) to save the checklist as a PDF.
Fees
What It Costs
Your fee, confirmed in writing
We assess your circumstances at the consultation, then confirm your professional fee in writing before any work begins. You know the figure and what it covers before you commit, so there are no surprises at any stage from petition to decree absolute.
You receive your exact fee in writing at your consultation, before you commit to anything.
Ready to Begin?
You can seek a divorce without your spouse agreeing. Book a consultation so the attorney can review the facts and whether our service is suitable.
Book a consultationIs this service suitable for you?
Your spouse does not have to agree to the divorce or sign the papers. Uncontested means unchallenged. The attorney checks the separation facts, any potential substantive challenge and any unresolved maintenance, custody or property issue, along with the legal prerequisites and jurisdiction, before accepting instructions.
If you are unsure about a challenge or unresolved issue, send an enquiry for attorney review before booking. Existing clients can use their secure client portal.
Have these details ready
- Your marriage certificate, if available
- Separation dates and the current country of residence of each spouse
- Details of children, current arrangements, existing orders and any unresolved maintenance, custody or property issue
Keep sensitive documents for the secure process the office provides after initial screening.
Fees and timing
Consultation fees are shown in the booking flow before you submit. The attorney will confirm the scope, written fees and expected stages of further work after reviewing your documents. Government charges and third-party expenses depend on the matter.
How our fees workClients overseas
You can start with an online consultation about your Jamaican matter. The office will confirm how documents should be signed and returned for the particular transaction or application.
Working with us from overseas