Divorce in Trinidad and Tobago is governed by the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act and is granted on the single ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage, which must be evidenced by one of five facts: adultery, behaviour, desertion, two years’ separation with consent, or five years’ separation. Many uncontested divorces can be completed in six to twelve months; contested matters take longer.

The Cohabitational Relationships Act recognises certain rights for couples who have lived together as if in a marriage for at least five years — a fact that surprises many clients, and that affects how property and maintenance are dealt with on separation.

Child custody and maintenance matters are dealt with by the Children Court and Family Court, with the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration. The court takes into account the child’s wishes (where age-appropriate), the parents’ circumstances, and the practicalities of any arrangement proposed.

Family law sits at the intersection of legal procedure and personal circumstance. Our first task in any family matter is to understand both: what the client actually wants from the process, and what is realistically achievable given the law and the facts.

Where matters can be resolved by agreement, we work toward that outcome. Negotiated settlements are usually faster, less expensive and less damaging to relationships than contested proceedings, particularly where children are involved. Where settlement is not possible or not appropriate, we represent clients firmly through the court process.

We are direct about timelines and cost. Family matters can extend over months, sometimes years. Clients receive an honest assessment of what to expect — financially and emotionally — before they commit to a course of action.