Family Law and Practice

Notes

Cases
Resources
Introduction to Family Law and Practice

This note examines the meaning of family, family law, and the scope of family law.

Sources of Law for Family Law

This note will briefly outline the sources of family law in Ghana. The sources to be outlined are the Constitution, 1992; the Marriages Act, 1884-1985 Cap. 127; the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1971 (Act 367); and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).

Jurisdiction of the Courts in Family Law Matters

This note will discuss when various courts in Ghana will have jurisdiction to entertain a family law matter. The note will discuss the jurisdictions of the District Courts, Circuit Courts, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court in family law matters.

Introduction to Marriage

This note will discuss the meaning of marriage, its recognition as a special contract, and highlight the types of marriages recognised under Ghanaian law.

Breach of Promise to Marry

This note will discuss when there is a breach of promise to marry, types of breach of promise to marry, the remedy available to a man or woman when there is a breach of promise to marry, what a party must prove to succeed in an action for breach of promise to marry, and the defences available to the party in breach.

Overview of Customary Law Marriage in Ghana

This note will discuss the meaning of customary law marriage, the key requirements for a valid customary law marriage, the forms of customary law marriage, and its key characteristics.

Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce in Ghana

This note will discuss the provisions under the Marriages Act, 1884-1985 CAP. 127 regarding the registration of customary marriages.

Dissolution of Customary Marriage in Ghana

This note examines the dissolution of customary marriage in Ghana. It will cover who can initiate the process, the grounds for dissolution, and the procedures involved.