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Monday 6 May 2013

Ways to end a marriage in Trinidad and Tobago

 Q: What are the legal grounds for an Annulment in Trinidad & Tobago? How are they different from the reasons for a divorce? How to proceed to obtain an Annulment?


A: There is no law that forces you to end your marriage in a certain way. You can end as partners or as adversaries, fighting in court or agreeing in court, breaking the bank or limiting your emotional and financial damage. And at any time, you can change your mind.

Dissolution is cooperative. It is the legal way of agreeing on all issues and moving on. It is completely private and in your control, but for the final judgment which is part of the public court record.
  • Procedure:  First, a written separation agreement outlining mutual understanding on property, support, and parenting responsibilities. Second, a petition for dissolution, which is a request that the court legally end the marriage in accordance with your separation agreement. You may have to attend a hearing, but in most cases it is not necessary.

Divorce is the when the parties are not in agreement on one or more issues. A divorce requires "grounds for a divorce" (see post on divorce). Usually, if you file and your spouse does not respond within twenty-eight days of being served with formal legal notification, your divorce will generally be considered uncontested. The petitioner will then have to apply to the court for the divorce to proceed and a hearing for the decree nisi will be set. In general, divorce means that the partners have issues they have so far been unable to resolve. It does not necessarily mean that you will be antagonists. There are many other possibilities: 
  • You may choose a collaborative divorce, where both parties and their attorneys sit down to resolve issues together, privately and outside the courtroom. You and your former spouse decide on support, property division, and parenting choices in an atmosphere respectful of everyone’s interests.
    For problems that resist a collaborative solution, there are different forms of negotiation, professional mediation or arbitration to resolve difficult issues without going to court. For many matters, the least desirable choice is litigation.
Legal separation is an action that results only in a formal decree of the rights and responsibilities of each spouse while they live apart. It does not dissolve the marriage. A separation agreement, adopted by order of the court, specifies division of debts, assets and parental rights and responsibilities– the same matters involved in a dissolution or divorce. Such a formal separation gives spouses time apart to consider their marriage while keeping in place various benefits that can end if the marriage ends. It also sets a pattern of agreements that are often followed for a divorce settlement, so it is wise to agree on terms that are acceptable in the long run. Some couples seek a planned separation as a more formalized way of working on marriage issues before they think seriously about divorce.

Annulment is a legal procedure for establishing that a marriage was never valid. The length of the marriage isn’t important. There are seven grounds for an annulment:
  1. at least one party was underage; 
  2. the parties have a close blood relationship; 
  3. a party was still legally married at the time of the current marriage; 
  4. one party was unable to consummate the marriage (the first instance of sexual intercourse after the wedding); 
  5. one spouse lacked the mental capacity to enter into a marriage contract; 
  6. one person married under duress or by force; 
  7. one person entered into marriage fraudulently, concealing such things as criminal history, sexually transmitted diseases or impotence


All requests to end a marriage are done through the Family Courts. Information for them can be found in previous posts concerning family issues.

216 comments:

  1. Well written articles.. Question! For Dissolution of Marriage ...the agreement of separation must be addressed to whom?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It must be sent to the other spouse who has to agree to the terms.

      Delete
    2. Hi i am moved here with my husaband who is trini aafter 6 years of marriage he started to abuse me here so i fleed the hosue and i want to divorce as i am gonna put reatraining order against him I am also left with only 3 bags of mine staff i have loads to get how do i retrieve my personal items

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    3. I am a US citizen that married a Trini citizen back in 2000 (in Trinidad). We saw each other 6/7 day per year for the first two years. In 2002 he came to the States and within 9 days everything fell apart. I was informed that he married me due to familial pressure to settle down. I asked him to leave at that point and he returned to Trinidad. I have not seen nor spoken to this man since 2002 until yesterday (he text me pictures of his 5 year old son). Can I request a divorce on grounds of desertion/abandonment? Or on any other grounds? If so, how do I go about the process from the States?

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    4. Yes... simple divorce. Send me an e-mail.

      Delete
  2. Hi what is the procedure to get a planned separation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's basically the same reasons (adultery, abuse, etc.) and process as the divorce, except for having to prove that the marriage as irretrievably broken down.

      A decree of judicial separation has three main effects:-
      (1) The spouses are no longer obliged to live together
      (2) The court can exercise all the powers which it has to divide the matrimonial property etc just as it can in the case of a divorce; and
      (3) The decree operates just like a divorce in terms of its effect on any will - the spouse no longer takes any benefit unless a new will is made specifically stating that is to be the case.

      Delete
  3. great! i have one question. what if one person wants an annulment, on grounds that they married basically for citizenship but now they realized it was a mistake and want to end it? what can be done

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's not a ground for annulment and if you try to use it, both of you can be charged and subsequently fined or imprisoned for "marriage fraud".

      Delete
    2. Are there any grounds for dissolution of a marriage?

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  4. Hi can I get an annulment if after married for 3 months I found. Out my husband has 4 kids I had no knowledge of and is in a relationship with the mother of the kids still and leave me weeks to be with them .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Send me a private email and we can get this done for you.

      Delete
    2. Hi again how long will an annulment take and what documents do I have to present .

      Delete
  5. Am I eligible for an annulment if my now ex-husband , who abandoned me after only 4 months of marriage, said that he could not stay in the marriage because he had secret homosexual tendencies?

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  6. Question: I've been married for just over 2 months now to someone I've known for approximately 6months. the marriage is a total disaster. What's to process to getting its canceled / a divorce / annulment.??

    Thanks in advance

    Terrible marriage.. :( :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These kinds of personal question need to be sent via private e-mail, which you can find in "About Me".

      Delete
  7. Hello I have been married 2 my wife 4 just 3 months but I have 4 young kids with another woman and just found out she is pregnant with my 5th child ! My wife never wants me 2 go see my kids and we I can't bring them into our home because we live in her mothers home . I have 2 lie. Just 2 go be with my kids and frankly my kids is much more important than she is . I also want 2 migrate 2 be near my kids because they will be migrating very soon . I made a mistake by rushing into this Marriage ! Can this be annulled ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those aren't grounds for annulment. Send me a private e-mail; see "About Me"

      Delete
  8. I also want to get more information about this topic. Divorce Lawyer has to play very safe and intelligently not hurting the sentiments.

    Family mediation service & Cost family mediation

    ReplyDelete
  9. My sister married 2 mo ago. She is a foreigner and on her second visit after marrying her husband in Trinidad he beat her severely and she has fled. Can she get an annullment?

    ReplyDelete
  10. if A has a restraining order against B which states that no contact could be made to A and no calls on behalf of B could be made, and Bs' brother call A, what does this mean

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. B has breached or allowed the court order to be breached.

      Delete
  11. I am currently in a common law relationship with someone for over 20 years. We have two children a girl 12 and boy 8. I recently found out that for the last two years he was having an affair. We share a loan together for a townhouse which was allocated for us by Ministry of Housing, Trinidad and Tobago. My half of the payment is always on time, however his is always late and the bank that financed the loan often calls to inform of me of his late payments. I recently told him that i know he is unfaithful. He admitted to the affair. I think it is only fair to me that he moves out since i am the prime caregiver. Please advise me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In a situation like this, the court will definitely order him to move out.

      Send me a private e-mail and we could begin the process.

      Delete
  12. I'm married to my husband for 1yr now we have 2kids together but adultery did happen in the marriage there's no love and we got married under certain circumstances not because of love what can do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not a marriage counselor, but if you decide to get a divorce, send me a private e-mail and I can deal with that for you.

      Delete
  13. I have been married for 4 years marriage took place in Trinidad and my wife has been having affairs in Trinidad and in London and continues to disrespect the marriage with adultery, I had property before I met her in London, she has been living in England since 2011 and seems to think she has claim to half of my home and assets we do not have any children together. She initially had a two year spousal visa which expired August 2013. I have withdrawn my sponsorship and now find out that she has been granted an additional 2 year visa extension. How do I get a divorce and keep my assets, as she has not ever contributed to anything

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's not difficult to deal with. Send me a private e-mail.

      She won't get anything.

      Delete
  14. my boyfriend (live in) is seperated and beginnning divorce proceedings. he was estranged for more than a year before we got together. Rumour has it that his estranged wife plans on suing me for alimony, even though my salary is smaller than hers. is this possible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That makes no sense. How can another man's wife sue his girlfriend for alimony?

      Delete
  15. I live in Canada and got married to a guy in Trinidad and have grounds for an annulment as the marriage was not comsumated. Can anyone advise on how to proceed with an annulment from Canada. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Send me a private e-mail and we'll handle this for you.

      Delete
    2. Is there a time limit for getting an annulment for the same reason? I've been married for 18 mths, but after all efforts it can't be done so i want an annulment however I'm being told by my lawyer that because a year has passed I cannot get it. Kindly advise. Thank you.

      Delete
  16. question.. I have field a divorce petition and was then serve with an annulment based on consummation of marriage..by my spouse after, my date is b4 her hearing which will depend on me filing within 8 days.. so my question is i do not wish to contest and i do not have a lawyer and don't wish for what shud I do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you don't wish to contest, you don't have to do anything.

      Delete
  17. Can some one tell me how to go about seeking a divorce? Whats the procedure? How long would it take?

    ReplyDelete
  18. I married my husband after 3 years living in his house but he has been caught twice having an affair we have a 1 yr old daughter together and it has been almost 2yrs since we have been married not that i want his house if we divorce but i was wondering can he put us out???

    ReplyDelete
  19. The mother of my son and I are both born Trinidadians, I've been neutralized in the USA but she hasn't. We've been cohabiting for the last eight years and she also has a son from her previous marriage. I'm thinking about coming home to get married to her and my question is will this marriage be the same as getting married in the US and will I need to come home to trinidad to make any changes if need be

    ReplyDelete
  20. hi i have a question...my husband and i got married 4 and a half years ago he asked me to sing a per-nub which he said is not valid in Trinidad and not to worry about it if and any thing is to happen i will be taken care of now there as been some issues and i have thought about leaving i have 1 child from a previous relationship we have 1 together and 1 on the way can he use that against me is it really legal or is it just because i singed a peace of paper.

    ReplyDelete
  21. i am married only four months now and i cannot live with my wife no longer. i was sort of pressured into getting married to her even thought i never wanted to. can i file and annulment

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Depends on certain factors. Send me a private e-mail, so we can discuss further.

      Delete
  22. My husband and I were married since mid 2009 and had a child together a year later. While I'm pregnant he began hitting me, belittling me which continued till mid 2013 when i decided to end the marriage. it was first I was fine being separated but then I read that the abuse (grounds for divorce) needs to have be at least taken place 6mths ago and by now it's passed six months what should I do? I have no plans of getting back with him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry about it. Send me a private e-mail and we could discuss the grounds a little more and we could set up a consultation.

      Delete
  23. Can a person get married after an anulment?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course. An annulment means that your marriage is now void, so of course you can get married again.

      Delete
  24. i have been married four years and my husband has been unfaithful and abusive to me i suggested a divorce but he doesnt want to because he doesnt want to share the assets i used to work when we met but he didnt want me to work so i wasnt working now he says cause of tht the law says i cant get anything is tht true ? btw im pregnant now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry yourself, that's not true. We don't need your husband's consent to get the divorce.

      Send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  25. How to check to see if someone is married

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have been married since 2007 and in 2013 i end the the relationship because I found out he was having an affair. how do i go about applying for an divorce he is currently living with the person and she is also pregnant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Go to the family court and do it on your own.

      2. Send me a private e-mail if you want the matter to be dealt with by an Attorney.

      Delete
    2. What do u need to start the procedures of the divorce, any documents required to start the divorce

      Delete
  27. I married at 21 before i finished my studies had no savings started to work and spent money wrecklessly! Live with my husband on his family property that he's been gradually restoring and enhancing! I've realised the error of my ways and trying to settle my debts gradually but we're at loggerheads because he wants to build his house on his family property. He keeps telling me to leave but i think its unfair he took me from my mom's house an basically operated as though we were separate entities and the reason he wants me to leave is because he wants a baby and even though its been 8yrs i dont think the circumstances are apropriate .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You haven't asked a legal question. I'm not a Counselor.

      Delete
  28. hi i have been married for 10 yrs and my husband and i have been separated for 7 months i still have a relationship with him cause he threatens me to never allow me to see my kids again i really want to move on with my life and have my kids with me but i work shifts i go to school i pay rent and i am putting my life in order so i can have my kids with me... i really just dont want to have anything with him and to just move on with my life.. can you help me?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi is it factual that if you weren't married in a church then the marriage can be simply dissolved with the consent of one party?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In any circumstance, a divorce does not require consent of the other party.

      Delete
  30. if you marry for 7yrs left and live with someone for 2yrs because of mental and physical abuse your husband ask you to return waht are my rights

    ReplyDelete
  31. what are you as a wife for 8yrs entitle to legally and you dont have any children with your husband but my husband have with a previous relationship

    ReplyDelete
  32. what if someone got married and about 4-5 wks into the marriage (marriage not consummated) one spouse (whom has dual citizenship) confesses that the marriage was a mistake and wants to be with someone else. The couple courted close to 7mths prior marriage, however they had started filing for citizenship (U.S.) for the other spouse. Can they annul the marriage still? and how would that affect or impact on the paperwork being processed with the U.S. Embassy?? Wht steps can be taken to undo this union??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need to send me a private e-mail. Look in the "About me" section.

      Delete
  33. I actually have a serious case to bring up to you, one that's too long to talk about. Is there a type of direct contact I can get you at?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi I'm married for almost a yr my husband dont talk to me much I have 2kids he shows love to one nnow all of a sudden I'm heating from strangers he saying dat he's fedop and he told my days he'll chop me and e'ting up. Well he was living in my house I put him out without thinking twice as a mother u have to put my kids 1st. I dont see dis marriage moving 4wd I tried talking to him to find out his issues and he refused to and and I'm not fighting it can I get a Dissolution

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can get a divorce. You need to email me.

      Delete
  35. My wife got married to me four days after her 18th birthday. I am 8yrs her senior. I proposed marriage to her because she was pregnant. However she lost it but still wanted to marry. The mariage is a disaster for me. We hav two kids together but i feels as if i have three. Can i get a divorce on grounds that mentaly she was not prepared to be in a marriage?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, but there are other options. Send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  36. I have been married for 5 years and have a 3 yr old. My husband has a drinking problem and constantly accuses me of cheating (which I am not)...though the relationship is not physically abusive, there is verbal and mental abuse.....Is this solid or proper grounds for a divorce?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Good day,
    I lived and worked in the States from 16 years old illegally, at age 19 I attended college where one of my friends suggested I get married to stay legally. At 19 years old I got married to an american citizen for papers but because of my father's poor health I returned to Trinidad at age 21. He passed away and I was revoked from entering the US. I am now 35 years old and has been in a committed relationship for the last 12years with someone else. I would like to marry my girlfriend as soon as possible but I need to divorce my "fake" wife. I would also like to find out hoe long after the divorce can we get married since we would like to have kids. Thank you in advance for your advice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Look under "About me" and send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  38. Hello there,

    I would like to apply for an annulment. I was 18 when I got married and my husband left me on and off at times before that. He left Trinidad since 2010 and I would like to move on

    ReplyDelete
  39. hi,
    if i am married for 2 years but live with the person for 5 years and now he is unfaithful but i have a child for him and also look after his other 3 kids. do i get anything if i divorce him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Depends on what his assets are, what his job is, what your job is... too many factors for me to give you an answer. You need a consultation.

      Delete
  40. hi, I married a Trinidad national about 10 years ago, we have never lived together, I came back to the United States the same day due to a family emergency, after I got back to the US I found out he was already in a relationship and this was only to get his papers we have never seen each other since that day (10 year ago) am trying to file for a divorce in the US he currently resides in Trinidad which is making this difficult ...is this grounds for an annulment ? I currently have dual citizenship between Trinidad and the US ...Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Send me a private e-mail.

      We can do either an annulment or a divorce.

      Delete
  41. I don't see a button to send you a private message, I really need to get this finalize.Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi I checked under the 'About me' section and the Ask me a question link is not working I'm getting an error can you please post your email address. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not working because you don't have Outlook. If you hover over the link, you would see the e-mail address.

      Delete
  43. My friend is a Canadian and she went to Trinidad to marry her sons father,only to end up coming back to Canada because of physical,mental and verbal abuse. The marriage was never filed with immigration nor was the licence filed with the governement. .. my question is how does she go about getting a divorce from Canada,without a marriage licence or does it matter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure what you said there makes much sense. Send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  44. is an annulment costly and time consuming?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Costly: Depends. Lawyers charge different amounts: $6000-15000

      Time consuming: No. You have a consultation with your Lawyer who deals with everything for you. After that it's one hearing at the Family Court.

      Delete
  45. Hi I have been married for 2months my husband has not been contributing anything to the home, he pay no bills, he buy no groceries and he has also been unfaithful, he admitted it to me but said it was my fault he was unfaithful, how can I end this marriage?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Both my wife and I have agreed to go separate ways after being married for 2 years. We have no kids and no conflict over property and have been separated for a period of two years. What is the procedure for dissolving the marriage? Who should the letter be addressed to and what should it contain?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dissolutions are no longer done; you're looking at a simple divorce. You can probably do it on your own. Send me an e-mail.

      Delete
  47. Hi, i am a cuban national married with a canadien girl in Cuba, can i do my divorce process here in Trinidad and Tobago and where? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Resident for more than 3 years? Send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  48. Hi, I have a friend that met a Guyanese national in September of 2013. He invited her over to Guyana in March 2014 because his grandparent had died. She gets over there only to realize his family had planned a marriage ceremony, and his family members pressured her into accepting his proposal so that they could be married right away. After the ceremony she then finds out that she had to return to Trinidad alone as he didn't have residence or the ability to return permanently to Trinidad. She finds herself now 5 months pregnant and separated from the man who has violent outbursts and threatens her and her daughter's life(child from a prior relationship). Is this sufficient grounds for an annulment? If so what is the necessary procedure?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely grounds for an annulment. Send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  49. If my husband and I both agree to a divorce and sign the necessary documents to be processed at family court. Do we still have to face a judge in court?

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi....How do u go about filing for legal separation from your spouse and if during that period of separation you purchased a property or was giving a property from a parent, does that spouse have any claims to said property????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Separation is generally only for common-law relationships. If you're married, you need a divorce.

      No claims to a gift by parents.

      Delete
  51. We were married in T&T although not residents or citizens.

    What documents should be submitted for a dissolution and do we need to be in country?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Original marriage certificate.

      No need to be in the country. Send me a private e-mail.

      Delete
  52. After 10 years of marriage my husband left me in oct 2013 we have been separated since i currently live in our house we have no kids problem, we have a mortgage on the property i got a letter from the bank yesterday saying mortgage in collection he hav not paid in 4 months i work no where he was my sole caregiver i have no education he is an ex police officer, i refused to get out of the house so now he is letting the bank take the property and he will buy it back from them for the balance of the mortgage, what can i do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. With no job, you will have to go to Legal Aid to see if they can help.

      Delete
  53. Hi,my husband and I have been living together three years prior to marriage. We built on an addition to his parents home which they gave to him. Like an apartment. We have been married for 14 months. Can they put me out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can who put you out? If your husband was gifted the property, then he would own it, so only he would be able to put you out... hopefully your marriage won't come to that.

      Delete
  54. Hi my husband and I were married for 4 yrs and have recently separated due to infidelity on his part. He left 'to live with his gf when I found out'.Since he met me with a house that I built with a late husband, will he be entitled to half the property if I apply for a divorce?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi i have been married for 6 months and my husband is emotional abusing me, To the point where i feel like not living anymore. Its making me sick anxiety attacks. Could i get a legal separation from him?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello
    I have been married for 8 years ,have 3 children and it had been good.a few years ago my wife changed her religion and I accepted the fact that she did .now she is saying that if I don't convert to her religion she wants a divorce .is that grounds for a divorce.because I still want to be married

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She could say that your behaviour is unreasonable. If she wants a divorce, you can't stop it.

      Delete
  57. Hello must commend you an the article and a well decorated resume. My question is this:how long does it normally takes to get an annulment and how long after the annulment can you get married?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In T&T, approximately 6 months... there's no waiting period for remarriage.

      Delete
  58. Will lawyer fees cost less with a legal separation instead of a divorce?

    ReplyDelete
  59. married for 18 years with two kids. husband committed adultery. have a joint mortgage and car in my name. I pay for the mortgage and the car. Went before the court five years ago for the said reason but threw out the matter to try again at marriage. however it seems that husband has rekindled association with the adulterous female partner, want to file for divorce but does not want to lose my car. i know the court will remove him from the house as i have the kids. what are the chances that i will get to keep the car?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In order to determine that, we would have to look at finances throughout the years, especially within the last 5

      Delete
  60. Hi if one of the parties was 17 at the time of marriage, but is now 20, is there any law that states that they hav to wait until that party is 25 to get a divorce or annulment?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And if the wife is a 21 year old healthy woman who is also unfaithful and does not pay any bills at all, is she able to ask for half of her husband assets during the divorce?

      Delete
  61. If my husband and I decide to do a collaborative divorce, would we still have to face a judge, keeping in mind we have two children under the age of eighteen?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Family court isn't like what you see on tv... it's not intimidating as you just made it sound with your "face a judge" comment. It's basically just to confirm the information at the hearing and your divorce will be granted.

      Delete
  62. Hello, i was married 27 years ago, but my wife and i have not been together for over 18 years as i've been living in the US. We have not been together during that time. How do i file for a divorce from my wife as i am here in the US.

    ReplyDelete
  63. All you need is a Lawyer, your original marriage certificate and the fee. You should be divorced within 4-6 months.

    ReplyDelete
  64. hi in a marriage that im not happy living with my husband anymore with can i do

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi My husband filed for divorce after 4 years of marriage. we have not received the final decree. our divorce hearing was in November. I just found out he was having an affair and a child will be born anytime soon. Can anything me done at this stage?

    ReplyDelete
  66. Good morning, what is the cost and procedure to file for a legal separation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your option would be a divorce... costs vary by Lawyer, ranging from 5000 - 15,000+.

      If it's an uncomplicated divorce and meets to right grounds, you can probably do it pro se. Visit Family court.

      Delete
  67. Is it possible for me to have my marriage annulled, I was married in December because I am pregnant. However, my husband is very immature; he squanders money, plays games on the computer and lives on Facebook for 5/8 of the day whenever he's off or home from work. Furthermore, I live with in-laws which gives me the feeling that I am no longer entitled to my basic human rights. Under these circumstances, I feel depressed and demoralized therefore an annulment is my desired option. Is it possible under these circumstances, and what are the procedures?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your only option is divorce. If you can't afford a Lawyer, you need to start by visiting the Family Court.

      Delete
  68. Hi. I have three children with my ex wife. She was awarded primary custody. She is currently in a common law relationship and recently had a baby with this guy. I currently pay weekly maintenance for my children, however, I am concerned that the funds and not fully used towards my children, and some of the money is being used to support the new baby. Am I still required to pay her maintenance directly or can I appeal to have my case reviewed? Please guide me accordingly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can possibly request a variation after 6-months, but I don't know the facts to provide more information.

      Delete
  69. hi this is my second marriage....(husband is quite older than me) been married for 10 yrs have 2 small kids.....but marriage broke down abt 4 yrs now due to his controlling behaviour.....seeking divorce cant take any more emotional abuse....we live a comfortable life financially....but he has objections for settlement....came up with an agreement keeping kids in mind for as little to no disturbance but the agreement is to his advantage...the agreement is basically instead of me getting a job he will pay me a salary to work at home (as a maid) but still wants control over wat i do where i go when etc....what are my rights....thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your "rights" will depend on looking at the marriage over the last 10 years... that's for a judge to deal with. Hope you have a good Lawyer.

      Delete
  70. Good day I got married 11 yr ago but have been separated for 10 yrs, we never went to registered the ceremony at any legal office do I still have to file for divorce or is the wedding not valid?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What does this mean "registered the ceremony" ? Which makes a wedding invalid? I'm confused.

      Delete
  71. I have been married for less than a year and I want to have my marriage dissolved my wife and I have one child together and I have moved out of the matrimonial home after she did (she spent all her time upstairs by her parents) how do I word a letter of dissolution with emphasis on equal time spent with our child

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  72. hi, ive been married for 1year & 6 month, in this marriage am not happy, my husband shows me care at all, he ignores me allot, he doesnt want me get a job, am always in his house 24/7, he doesnt make time for me at all, he dont take me anywhere, all his concern is all about work, found hidden numbers of woman in his wallet, he flirts any where he works, these woman threaten me on facebook. over 2 months now, he sttarted working nights, he sleeps all day long, works night again and so it goes on, he just gets up and goes to work.
    i know at nights he'll be on another phone talking to these woman of the numbers i found, he constantly lies to me.
    am basically crying day and night, i feel depressed allot. sometimes suicidal taughts are in my head..
    i do everything for him.
    he cheated on me ones, i cant make this work any more.
    am breaking down piece by piece.

    what am i to do?
    i have no money to get a divorce.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, there's no legal aid for divorces, so you can try doing it on your own, beginning with a visit to the Family Court.

      Delete
  73. Became pregnant at 21 and with family pressure and emotional distress got married at 21 to someone 17years my senior. I am of the opinion I wasn't of sound mind with the weight of everything that was happening could only be described as being numb. I remained unhappily married for 3 years and packed 1 bag and left. Some years later we got divorced. Is there any possibility of an annulment?

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  74. I am eight months pregnant and not working and my husband does not provide for my basic needs. He has not provided for me in months even knowing that I was pregnant. He is no longer living in my home for over a month. How do I get a legal separation via family court?

    ReplyDelete
  75. can my wife take our 9mth old daughter out of the country without my consent there is custody order i have informal visits and we have been separated about 5 mths now

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If she takes your daughter without your consent and you're unable to fulfil the terms of the court order, then she will be in breach of the order and can be held in contempt of court.

      Delete
  76. sorry i made an error in typing i meant there is no custody order now she tells me the only way i can see my daughter is at her home i cannot take her and bring her to my home an arrangement we had prior what are my rights

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sorry i made an error in typing i meant there is no custody order now she tells me the only way i can see my daughter is at her home i cannot take her and bring her to my home an arrangement we had prior what are my rights

      Delete
  77. Someone I know got married on December 20, 2014, to a woman from the Dominican Republic who overstayed her time here in Trinidad. They got married under Hindu Rights. She does not carry his name, nor there was an exchange of rings. She also is working here illegally as a babysitter. Could this be considered a sham marriage? If so, how do I go about reporting this to the authorities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes
      http://www.immigration.gov.tt/ContactUs.aspx

      Delete
  78. My common law wife of 20 years, of which 10 were good and 10 bad has finally left my home. I turned my property over to my son about 3 years ago without her knowing.. she is now claiming for half the property value. What is she really entitled to?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cannot properly answer that question with the information given.

      Delete
  79. I am married 2yrs , My husband quit his permanent job during our engagement. He has since been in and out of jobs after much debates . I have since accumulated a debt of over 180,000.00 due to many coercion . He has legal custody of his 8 year old daughter and we now have a 1yr old . I have been on the receiving end of much verbal abuse and emotional strain , he has a bad anger problem and I am very scared of what he might do . He has done non-verbal intimidation like constantly putting on and off the lights when I am trying to sleep , when that doesn't work he stares at me for long periods of at a time in a menacing manner and punched in doors when I try to escape . I have hit him already while he kept using foul language at me and I snapped I am under constant strain and pressure . He is now selling his house we shared, we are no longer able to upkeep the mortgage. I have tried couples therapy after 3 or 4 sessions due to financial strain (as well as his complaints of the therapist not being "qualified enough"), I have saved and managed a more qualified therapist but I think it is too late , he started to complain about the money I am spending on therapy when I can give him to rent a vehicle as he hates to travel . HELP please I feel used and abused , is this grounds for separation and subsequently divorce and / annulled ?

    ReplyDelete
  80. I've been married for four months but due to some serious red flags and serious issues with my husband I abandoned the marriage and returned back to Canada. I've read into laws and the marriage isn't recognized in my country but I wish to annul what we have in Trinidad. Is it possible to do so from where I live and not have to be in Trinidad to do so?

    ReplyDelete
  81. "I've read into laws and the marriage isn't recognized in my country" -- which country is this? Mars? A marriage is recognised everywhere. Most ridiculous thing I've heard in a while. So you're saying, if I get married in T&T and I migrate to Canada, I have to get re-married?

    A lawyer can deal with it without your presence using a special petition.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hi my wife an I are married for 13 years , she told me that she wants a divorce and applied for it , we have a home in our name but she has preferred not to live in during our marriage , we lived at her home as it was a gift for our wedding , we have one child together , she said that she wants the other house even though I was the pays the mortgage alone , pays all the bills for there and bisically live there after she through me out from her home , can she get the other property

    ReplyDelete
  83. Go day, me and my husband are Trinidadian but were married in the states (Florida 2006)in University and never registered the marriage in Trinidad. We both live in Trinidad but have not been together for the past six years. Florida says we can't get a divorce there if we have not been living there for the past six months, and we have not been there for many years, only university. Can we get a divorce in Trinidad, and would that be legally recognized in the States. We are on good terms, so I dontknow if divorce or maybe dissolution is the word. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as you have the original marriage certificate, you can get divorced here.

      Delete
  84. How do i go about getting an annulment in Trinidad or where do i get the forms ? Anita

    ReplyDelete
  85. I have to get an annulment & I don't know where to start, can you advise me please?? I saw an attorney but they told be i have to pay upwards of $5000 and I don't have that.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I need to find out information about annulments. I know I need a lawyer, but want to find out if I'll have to go through counselling or any medical tests to prove an unconsummated marriage?

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hi I have a girlfriend who is separated from her x for 18 months she want a divorce can she get it on the grounds of unreasonable behavior and is it possible for me and her to live common law until she gets her divorced

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  88. hi,how long would it take to disollve my marridge?

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  89. Hi..I'm married for five years and separated for two. My husband and I never consummated our marriage. We slept together after 3 days of marriage. Is this grounds for annulment. And where do I begin. Our marriage is irretrievably and he also agrees to it.

    ReplyDelete
  90. if my papers did not went up to the red house for me to receive my my marriage certificate does that mean am still married and if so wat are the procedures i will have to go through can i move on and get married or do i have to do sumn about this i need some advice if anyone knows anything please share

    ReplyDelete
  91. hi been married for 1mth i live in trinidad and my husband lives in nigeria and england found out he has 3 kids and lives with someone he said he wants to annulment from the marriage and he doing it in nigeria is it valid in trinidad we got married in trinidad

    ReplyDelete
  92. Been married for 25yrs my husband lives in America for the past 18 years he resently told me that he divorced me in America and got remarried now i have no paper work on such yet he got his green card by this he brought me some paper starting as such but they never served me any which he got granted the divorce on the basis i couldn't be found i love Trinidad but they served me then in America my question is are we divorce or not thanks

    ReplyDelete
  93. hey i have been marry for less than a month and i didnt consummate the marriage and after we sign the documents to marry i found out that he has a record that he didnt tell me about.. so what should i do and i want a divorce and how to go about doing this

    ReplyDelete
  94. Good day if someone goes to their lawyer sign stateing that they have found someone and move on and dont want anythig from the matrimonial home and the marriage has been decree-absolute divorce (dissolved) after 3 years has passed want to take me to court for propety

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi , I need help! Been with my husband for 13 years , we have a 7 year old, but only Married for 3 years, he has never finacially taken care of either of us besides RENT. He has never paid any of our bills or school or groceries or anything else , literally ONLY what ever rent of a house is . He has been a drug addict , addicted to weed since he was 13 but in the last 10 years has turned to other drugs and also became an alcoholic , he has changed jobs 7 times in the 13 years I have been with him, but noe he has nothing he is completely broke. His mom however bought us a house in her name but he is suppose to pay her rent each month, he has no job now and cannot pay rent. He is still using and drinking and I have had enough of the abuse and the stress . I want a divorce, how do I get to still live in the house I am in now and continue to raise my child?

    ReplyDelete
  96. ok but how i going about to do it and whats the process

    ReplyDelete
  97. Hi how long after your divorce is final can someone get married

    ReplyDelete
  98. My parents were married for 26 years and then my mother took off with someone else who she has been living with for the past 5 years. My brother has been staying with my dad for about 1.5 years or so. And he has been verbally abusive to my dad. My brother says that my father can't get him out of the house because half of it belongs to my eloped mother. My father asked her for a divorce and she said no, even though she doesn't live with him anymore. Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
  99. I have been married for 7 years to my wife, we have two kids 7 year old daughter and 6 year old son. I have been thrown out of the house numerous times by her over the course of the years and for over 9 months I have separated from her and currently living by my family.

    I have started seeing someone for 2 months now and she doesn't want me to see my kids nor support them due to me having someone else. She comes and threatens the girl at her workplace, harassed me where I am living and sends me obscene messages and voice notes.

    I reported to the police but they said they don't see anything wrong with her doing that.

    I am trying to divorce her but she refuses but wants me to pay maintenance for her and the kids but she is currently employed.

    I am asking for some assistance in how to go about with getting a divorce from her and also how can I get some help from the police in getting her to stop harassing my Co workers my family and my girlfriend.

    ReplyDelete
  100. He can get a divorce if they are separated for 5 years and more without her consent if he can prove to the court that they are... the court will grant it to him and for your brother your father needs to take him to the police he need to go claim half of what his mother is staying at

    ReplyDelete
  101. Good day,

    We thank you for sharing this information. I wish to have my marriage annulled because I married my now wife because she said I got her pregnant and must marry her, but realised that the child is not mine. Can my marriage be annulled, I am thinking this is a case of force or duress. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Hi good day ....I have been married for eight years an two years ago we were separated .. A year ago we had a legal settlement at a JP office... Can the legal settlement stand in court ? Because my wife keep asking for more valuables..

    ReplyDelete
  103. Hi there, I cannot find your email address in the About Me page, my fiancé in Trinidad is planning to divorce the woman hes ben separated from for over a year, there are some questions we have. How do I reach you?

    ReplyDelete
  104. Can anyone telk me how I can contact Trinbago Rights as I can't seem to find an email contact.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I have been married for 5 years, my spouse and I decided that our marriage cannot work. We have been seperated for 7months now and items were shared. We have no kids and no ties to each other. My spouse said they was going to file for a divorce but it has been months and nothing yet. As it is now we do not communicate. How do I proceed and when can I start legal proceedings.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I am wondering if I qualify for an anullment? I'm from Canada, married a man in Trinidad May of 2015. He ended up being mentally,emotionally and verbally abusive. He's still in contact and still very much the same... Constantly hurting me. The only reason I keep in touch is for my daughter's sake. He adopted her and treats her well but I can't take the hurt he causes me anymore. I don't want my daughter thinking that's how a man treats people. I abandoned the marriage in October of 2015 and came back to Canada to get away from him. Can you help me, please?

    ReplyDelete
  107. hi,i got married to someone and a month later only to realze he had been married in another country and he is not divorced what is the proceedure to get this annuled as soon as possible

    ReplyDelete
  108. hi-sorry-my-space-bar-isnt-working-so-trying-to-improvise-i-left-my-husband-weeks-after-week-got-married-and-told-him-i-cant-live-with-inlaws-but-made-it-clear-i-dont-want-the-marriage-to-end-i-ask-him-to-lets-go-rent-but-he-dont-want-that-and-it-seems-he-wants-a-divorce-because-of-his-family-influence-what-should-i-do??

    ReplyDelete
  109. Hi I've been married to a Jamaican for 5yrs it has been not but abuse I left almost 2yrs now how do I go about getting a divorce

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  110. If your divorce certificate is lost, where can i obtain an orginal copy inorder to get married again.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Good day, i married a man from another country in 2013. Partly for him to get his papers and partly because we started a relationship. We split up several times since then and have a 1 year old child. We have an amicable relationship, however i feel i needmore than that and i am ready to move on with life without him. We got married under Hindu civil ceremony. Is there an easy way to getting a divorce

    ReplyDelete
  112. Hi good day my sister in law got married to a canadian in trinindad and recently he asked for a divorce. Can he get those papers in canada or they hava to get the divorce in Trinidad?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In the country of residence... probably cheaper in T&T.

      Delete

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