Matrimonial Causes Flashcards
How do you initiate marriage under the Marriage Act?
Through the giving of a notice of marriage by either party to the Registrar of Marriages.
What is the time period for issuing the Registrar’s Certificate?
After 21 days but before 3 months from publication of the notice of marriage
What can you do if you have just cause as to why a marriage should not be celebrated?
I can issue a caveat against issuance of the Registrar’s Certificate
Who can remove a caveat?
If validly entered a caveat can be removed by the Judge of a HC and the Registrar shall not issue his certificate until then
Do you need consent to marry?
Consent is only required for under 21s who had not previously been married and widowed
Who can enter a caveat?
Anyone whose consent to marriage is required or any person who knows any reasons why the marriage should not take place
Where can a marriage be celebrated?
- In a licensed place of worship,
- Registrar’s office
- Different venue with grant of special license by Minister
What are the requirements for celebrating marriage in a licensed place of worship?
- It must be by a recognised minister, denomination and body
- It must be celebrated with open doors
- Must be between 8am and 6pm
- There must be at least two witnesses other than the minister
What are the requirements for celebrating marriage in the Registrar’s office?
- It must be celebrated with open doors
- Must be between 10am and 4pm
- There must be at least two witnesses other than the Registrar
What are the requirements for celebrating marriage in any place with special license by the Minister?
It must still be contracted by recognised minister of some religious denomination or the registrar
Section 13 Marriage Act
When is a marriage invalid?
Where either of the parties is already married to another person under customary law
When will a marriage be void?
If both parties knowingly celebrate:
- In a place other than allowed
- Under false names
- Without Registrar’s certificate of notice or license issued by Minister
- By a person not recognised as a minister of some religious denomination/body or Registrar of Marriages
Who has jurisdiction to hear matrimonial petition?
The High Court as long as the petitioner is domiciled in Nigeria Section 2(1) & (2) MCA
What are the different types of domicile?
Domicile of Origin
Domicile of Choice
Matrimonial Domicile
What is Domicile of Origin?
Derives from person’s place of birth