FAMILY LAW - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Family Legal Advice, Handled With Financial Precision
Brent Kevin Ali is a family lawyer in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, with a background few attorneys in the region can match — trained as a Chartered Accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, qualified in 2003, with international work experience at Norton Rose and Morgan Stanley in London before entering private practice in Trinidad. Family law disputes are rarely just about the law — they are about the division of a lifetime's assets, and getting that calculation wrong costs far more than legal fees.
WHAT WE HANDLE
Family Law Services
Divorce & Judicial Separation
Advising and representing clients in divorce and judicial separation proceedings under the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act, from the initial petition through to decree absolute.
Child Custody & Access
Representing parents in custody, residence, and access disputes, with a focus on practical arrangements that serve the best interests of the child under the Children Act.
Maintenance — Spousal & Child
Advising on and pursuing maintenance claims for spouses and children, and defending clients against unreasonable maintenance demands.
Matrimonial Property Division
Advising on the division of the matrimonial home and other assets acquired during the marriage — where a background in accountancy and finance means a properly quantified position from the outset.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Qualified Chartered Accountant at global Big Four firm
Norton Rose (London)
Experience at one of the world's leading commercial law firms
Morgan Stanley
Compliance & regulatory specialist at global financial institution
20+ Years
In active legal practice in Trinidad & Tobago
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE US
Most family lawyers can tell you the grounds for divorce. Fewer can properly value a matrimonial estate, trace assets, or assess what a fair settlement actually looks like in financial terms. Brent Kevin Ali's background as a Chartered Accountant means family law advice that accounts for the real financial position of both parties — not just the legal framework around it. Family matters are also personal and often difficult; every matter is handled with discretion and direct, individual attention.
We understand what's actually at stake - not just the law
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Trinidad and Tobago?
The sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, established under the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act. This is proven through specific facts, including adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or a period of separation. A divorce petition generally cannot be presented until at least one year of marriage has passed.
How is matrimonial property divided in Trinidad and Tobago?
The court has broad discretion to examine assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name appears on the title. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, the financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse, and the needs of any children. A spouse who was not the registered owner, or who was not in paid employment during the marriage, can still have an enforceable claim.
How does the court decide child custody in Trinidad and Tobago?
Custody, residence, and access matters are governed by various Acts including the Family Law (Guardianship of Minors, Domicile and Maintenance) Act, with the best interests of the child as the court's overriding concern. The court considers the child's age, existing relationships with each parent, and, depending on age, the child's own wishes.
Do Muslim marriages follow the same divorce process?
Trinidad and Tobago has separate legislation for this community — the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act — alongside the general law under the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act. Which regime applies depends on how and under what law the marriage was solemnised.
How long does a divorce take in Trinidad and Tobago?
An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on the terms, can be resolved in several months. Contested matters — particularly those involving disputes over property, maintenance, or custody — take considerably longer, and timelines depend on the court's schedule and the complexity of the issues involved. However, in most matters, the parties can get divorced whilst other contentious matters such as maintenance and property settlement are still being contested.