Kuala Lumpur
Divorce and family lawyers in Kuala Lumpur
How divorce and family matters for clients in Kuala Lumpur usually run, which courts hear them, and where to find our office.
Chris & Partners acts for clients in Kuala Lumpur on divorce and family matters. Dr Chee Hui Bing, who leads the firm, is an Advocate & Solicitor and a former medical doctor. We work in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese.
Courts that hear these matters
- Kuala Lumpur High Court (Jalan Duta): civil claims above RM1 million, medical negligence actions and divorce petitions
- Syariah High Court of the Federal Territories: Muslim divorces, coordinated with admitted Syariah counsel
How the process usually works
- Civil (non-Muslim) divorce is governed by the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 and heard in the High Court.
- Spouses can file a joint petition, or one spouse can file a contested petition.
- Custody, maintenance and division of matrimonial assets are decided as part of the petition or by agreement.
- Syariah divorces for Muslims proceed under the state Islamic Family Law enactment, and we coordinate with admitted Syariah counsel.
Our office for Kuala Lumpur
Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
E-7-18, Plaza Mont Kiara, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur · Google Maps · Waze
Common questions
Which court hears non-Muslim divorce petitions?
Civil divorce for non-Muslims is governed by the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 and heard in the High Court. Muslim couples file in the Syariah Court instead. If one spouse converts to Islam during the marriage, the non-Muslim spouse may petition in the civil court under section 51 of the Act.
Can I divorce within two years of marriage?
Generally no. Section 50 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 prevents a divorce petition in the first two years of marriage. The court can give leave in exceptional cases, such as exceptional hardship or depravity. A joint petition also requires that the marriage has lasted at least two years, unless that leave is granted.
What grounds do I need for a divorce?
Under section 54 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976, the ground is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This is shown by adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for at least two years, or living apart for two years with mutual consent or five years without it. A joint petition by agreement does not need these fault facts.
What is the difference between a joint petition and a single petition?
A joint petition is filed by both spouses together under section 52 of the Act, after at least two years of marriage, with agreed terms on custody, maintenance and assets. A single petition is filed by one spouse, usually because the other does not agree to the divorce or its terms, and it proceeds on proof of one of the breakdown facts.
Guides on this topic
- Civil vs Syariah Divorce in Malaysia — Complete Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
- Malaysia–Singapore Cross-Border Family Law: Divorce, CPF, HDB, Custody and Children — A Complete Guide (2026)
- Teo Chee Cheong v Chiam Siew Moi [2025] — EPF Clearly a Matrimonial Asset Under Section 76 LRA 1976
- Joint Petition Divorce Malaysia: Process & Timeline (2026)
- Sivanes Rajaratnam v Usha Rani [2002] 3 MLJ 273: Matrimonial Assets and Non-Financial Contribution
- Indira Gandhi v Pengarah JAIP [2018] 1 MLJ 545: Civil Court Jurisdiction Restored
Divorce and family lawyers in other cities
Every matter is different, and timelines depend on the court and the parties. This page is general information, not legal advice. Family law and divorce
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