Do i need a divorce absolute(decree) from a customary court

[Ennyolah 2]

I had a traditional marriage and I have my divorce judgement froma customary court so I'm wondering do i still need the divorce decree ..im.confuse

[SalishSea 16,746]

23 minutes ago, Ennyolah said:

I had a traditional marriage and I have my divorce judgement froma customary court so I'm wondering do i still need the divorce decree ..im.confuse

You need the decree absolute, or final decree of dissolution in its complete form.

[Solorider 2]

25 minutes ago, Ennyolah said:

I had a traditional marriage and I have my divorce judgement froma customary court so I'm wondering do i still need the divorce decree ..im.confuse

Following 

[Ennyolah 2]

3 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

You need the decree absolute, or final decree of dissolution in its complete form.

The one I saw is for high court for those who had a legal marriage  but I didn't have a legal marriage

[SalishSea 16,746]

Just now, Ennyolah said:

The one I saw is for high court for those who had a legal marriage  but I didn't have a legal marriage

It does not matter.  I guarantee that if you do not provide evidence of legal termination of that marriage, the petition will be denied.

[Solorider 2]

1 minute ago, Ennyolah said:

The one I saw is for high court for those who had a legal marriage  but I didn't have a legal marriage

I think it should b posted on a Nigeria forum or smtin, i dont knw how dis site works but i tink only Nigerian will understand d customary marriage thin.

[SalishSea 16,746]

Just now, Solorider said:

I think it should b posted on a Nigeria forum or smtin, i dont knw how dis site works but i tink only Nigerian will understand d customary marriage thin.

Feel free.  I’m just telling you how the USCIS will see it, which is the important thing for petition approval.

[Ennyolah 2]

21 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

It does not matter.  I guarantee that if you do not provide evidence of legal termination of that marriage, the petition will be denied.

Ok I will see to it immediately..thank you

Edited November 20, 2019 by Ennyolah

[Ennyolah 2]

21 minutes ago, Solorider said:

I think it should b posted on a Nigeria forum or smtin, i dont knw how dis site works but i tink only Nigerian will understand d customary marriage thin.

I dont really  understand how this forums are

[Greenbaum 12,258]

4 hours ago, Ennyolah said:

I dont really  understand how this forums are

The forums are split into topics. I think the one he is referring to is your sub-forum thread for your region or country. Go to the top of the page. In the blue ribbon you'll see "forums". Select it and scroll 3/4 of the page down till you see regional forums. Find your country and you are not in the sub-forum for your country.

[geowrian 22,335]

I would refer to the reciprocity schedule for Nigeria about customary marriages:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Nigeria.html

 

Marriage:

Quote

1.) CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES:  While customary marriages are legally binding, no registration or written record of the event is required by law.  As a result, documentation of customary marriages generally does not exist outside of photographs taken at the ceremony.  Individuals will sometimes, when necessary, swear an affidavit in a court that they are married in order to provide written proof of such a marriage.  Some Local Governments will issue a certificate based on that affidavit by virtue of the Registration of Customary Marriage Bye-Laws.  Absence of an affidavit or certificate of this kind cannot be taken as lack of marital status.  [Note: The Bye-Laws mentioned vary from state to state and authorize Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to register customary marriages that take place in their jurisdiction.  The Bye-Laws do not exist in all states and several states that have them do not make registration compulsory.]  There are two types of Customary Marriage:  marriage under native law & custom (also known as traditional marriage) and Islamic marriage. 

 

1.)a.) Marriage Under Native Law & Custom: Traditional marriage ceremonies are based on local, unwritten customs.  In the case of Lagos residents, the customs of the local area or village where the family originates from (usually outside Lagos State) should also be considered.  Cultural context will determine whether a legally binding marriage ceremony took place, versus an introduction or other non-binding ceremony.  Some local customs permit proxy marriages, where the groom need not be present at the ceremony.  In nearly all Nigerian cultures, payment of a dowry or bride price is a key component of a traditional marriage ceremony.  The dowry may be in the form of money, gifts, or a combination of both.  Yams are a typical part of the dowry in many areas within Nigeria.  [Note:  Modernization has led to some evolution in traditional marriages, and payment of the bride price in some recent marriages is merely symbolic.]  Traditional marriage also allows for a man to legally marry more than one wife. 

1.)b.)  Islamic Marriage: The celebration of Islamic marriage ceremonies (called Nikkai) in Nigeria is governed by the Maliki Law.  The marriage must be between a male and a female that have agreed to marry if matured, or consent has been given by their father or male guardian if they are immature.  [Note: “Maturity” is not defined by a specific age, but is instead determined by the father or male guardian.]  The bride price, which is a minimum of N5000, is called the sadaq or dower, and is paid to the bride but received by her parents.  The ceremony is officiated by a Mallam in the presence of at least three Muslim witnesses.  After a celebration of Islamic Marriage, the couple may obtain a certificate from the Local Government Marriage Registry, but this is not required.  Islamic law allows a man to marry up to 4 wives. 

 

Divorce:

Quote

1.) CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES: There is no legal requirement that a customary marriage should be dissolved by any court, nor any requirement that the divorce be registered or documented. 

 

Edited November 20, 2019 by geowrian

[SalishSea 16,746]

28 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Divorce:

Quote

1.) CUSTOMARY MARRIAGES: There is no legal requirement that a customary marriage should be dissolved by any court, nor any requirement that the divorce be registered or documented. 

Interesting.  However, we have seen cases here on VJ where this did not work that way in practice when it came to US immigration.  Particularly where applicants have states on previous B applications that they were married, and then were unable to provide evidence of marriage termination later for an immigrant visa.

[geowrian 22,335]

34 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Interesting.  However, we have seen cases here on VJ where this did not work that way in practice when it came to US immigration.  Particularly where applicants have states on previous B applications that they were married, and then were unable to provide evidence of marriage termination later for an immigrant visa.

Agreed. This is very specific to the country involved. I'm certainly no Nigeria expert by any means, but the process there (and w/ Ghana, FYI) is pretty unique.

[Ennyolah 2]

7 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

The forums are split into topics. I think the one he is referring to is your sub-forum thread for your region or country. Go to the top of the page. In the blue ribbon you'll see "forums". Select it and scroll 3/4 of the page down till you see regional forums. Find your country and you are not in the sub-forum for your country.

Thank you 

[Ennyolah 2]

2 hours ago, geowrian said:

I would refer to the reciprocity schedule for Nigeria about customary marriages:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Nigeria.html

2 hours ago, geowrian said:

I would refer to the reciprocity schedule for Nigeria about customary marriages:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Nigeria.html

 

Marriage:

 

Divorce:

 

Marriage:

 

Divorce:

Thank you so so much this is so helpful..im Nigeria  and it a traditional marriage ..it better I get an affidavit