Frequently Asked Questions

You should consult a lawyer when facing a legal dispute, signing an important contract, dealing with criminal charges, going through a divorce or custody matter, buying or selling property, or when significant financial interests are at stake. Early legal advice can prevent small problems from becoming costly disputes. A brief consultation can help you assess whether your situation requires formal legal representation.

Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the matter. Lawyers typically charge a flat fee for straightforward work such as drafting a contract or a title search, an hourly rate for advisory or dispute work, or a retainer for ongoing representation. We provide a clear fee estimate at the outset of every engagement so there are no surprises. Contact us for a consultation and we will give you a transparent breakdown of costs.

Please bring any documents relevant to your matter — contracts, correspondence, court documents, title deeds, valid ID such as a National ID, passport or driver's licence, and a written summary of the key facts and dates. The more context you provide, the better we can assess your situation. If you are unsure what is relevant, bring everything you have and we will help you identify what matters.

To purchase land legally and securely, obtain and verify these documents from the seller: Certificate of Occupancy or Governor's Consent, Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment or Conveyance, Land Information Certificate from the Lagos State Land Bureau, and proof of payment of all outstanding ground rents and land use charges. Always instruct a lawyer to conduct a title search at the Land Registry before paying any deposit.

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by a State Governor confirming the holder has a statutory right of occupancy over land, typically for 99 years. Under the Land Use Act 1978, all land in Nigeria is vested in the Governor of each state. The C of O is the strongest evidence of lawful title available to a private individual or company. Without it, your right to the land may be difficult to enforce, and banks will typically decline to accept the property as mortgage security.

Companies are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. The process involves reserving a company name, preparing a Memorandum and Articles of Association, filing incorporation documents with the CAC, and obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation. The process can now be completed online through the CAC portal. Our corporate team handles the full registration process on your behalf, typically within 5 to 10 working days.

A sole proprietorship means the owner and business are legally the same — personal assets can be used to settle business debts. A Private Limited Liability Company is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. Your personal liability is limited to the amount unpaid on your shares, so personal assets are generally protected from business debts. A limited company also has continuity of existence independent of its shareholders and is viewed as more credible by banks and large clients.

A statutory divorce under the Matrimonial Causes Act requires that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, evidenced by facts such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or two years of separation. Court proceedings typically take 6 months to 2 years depending on whether the divorce is contested. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on custody, property, and maintenance are significantly faster.

Stay calm, do not resist, and exercise your right to remain silent. Under the Nigerian Constitution, you have the right to be informed of the reason for your arrest, to be held for no more than 24 to 48 hours before being charged or released, and to consult a lawyer of your choice. Do not sign any statement or document without a lawyer present. Contact a family member immediately so they can reach a lawyer on your behalf.