For non-Muslim couples who wish to file for divorce, the marriage must have lasted for at least two years, except with special leave of the court.
Divorce procedures for non-Muslim couples in Malaysia are as follows:
- File a divorce petition at the High Court
Applications can be either a joint divorce petition or a contested divorce petition.
- Mention and trial at the High Court
If the court is satisfied with the divorce application, a Provisional Court Order (Decree Nisi) will be issued.
After three months, couples may apply for a Decree Nisi Absolute (Certificate of Divorce).
- Marriage tribunal (if applicable)
In contested divorce cases, applicants must refer to the Marriage Tribunal at the National Registration Department (JPN), except in certain circumstances.
Read more about marriage tribunal- Updating divorce information
Applicants must submit the original Decree Nisi Absolute issued by the court to update divorce information at JPN.