In Malaysia, there are two types of divorce of marriage for non-Muslims:
1) divorce by mutual consent, i.e. both parties agree to the divorce
2) divorce without mutual consent.

DIVORCE BY MUTUAL CONSENT (JOINT PETITION)

Both parties to the marriage can jointly file a divorce where they can mutually agree to divorce. To be eligible for the application, the couples must have been married for at least two (2) years at the time the petition for divorce is filed, unless approved by the court. By a joint petition, both parties can freely decide to the maintenance for wife & children, custody and care of the children, division of matrimonial assets. 

DIVORCE WITHOUT MUTUAL CONSENT

Either party to a marriage may file a petition to divorce without consent of the other party, on the ground that the marriage has broken down. The break down of the marriage can be grounded one of the reasons as follows:

1) that the other party has committed adultery;
2) that the other party has behaved in such a way that it cannot reasonably be expected to live together;
3) that the other party has deserted for a continuous period of at least 2 years; OR 
4) that the parties to the marriage have lived apart for a continuous period of at least 2 years.

WHO HAS THE RIGHT OVER THE CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN?

In a joint petition, both parties can mutually agree to propose any arrangement to the children. 
In a single petition, either party can make application for the custodianship. The court will decide the custodianship after considering all factors including: 1) The welfare of the children 2) The wishes of the parents 3) The wishes of the child if the child is eligible to express an independent opinion. 
There is a rebuttable presumption that the custodianship of a child below 7 years belongs to the mother. Kindly take note that this is a presumption which is rebuttable by the father.

WHO HAS THE RIGHT & INTEREST OVER MATRIMONIAL PROPERTY?

In a joint petition, both parties can mutually agree to propose any arrangement to divide or transfer the property. 
In a single petition, either party can make application for the division of matrimonial property. If the property is acquired by the sole effort of the party, the court may divide the property as the court thinks reasonable. The party upon whose effort the assets were acquired will receive a greater proportion. If the property is acquired by joint effort, the court may divide the property as the court thinks reasonable after considering factors like the extent of the contributions made by each party.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FOR A DIVORCE MATTER TO BE COMPLETED?

The actual time needed for may vary in each and every single case depending on the following factors: 1. The date of hearing granted by the court ( whether its early or late ) 2. The complexity of the case 3. The Time needed for both parties to reach a settlement ( for joint petition’s case) 
Generally, a joint petition divorce matter takes 6 to 9 months to be completed while a unilateral petition divorce (without mutual consent) matter takes more time to be completed. The divorce matter could take more time if it is contested.