Child Support & Spousal Maintenance in Saudi Arabia (2026 Guide) — Nafaqa Rights
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If your husband or ex-husband has stopped paying nafaqa (maintenance), Saudi law allows you to file an urgent claim through the Najiz portal. Courts can issue interim orders to secure payment while the main case is pending, and the Execution Court can enforce those orders.
When does it apply?
- Your husband or ex-husband cut off financial support and left you without basic necessities.
- The father is refusing to pay child support and your children's stability is at immediate risk.
- You need an urgent court order to force payment while your main case is pending.
How to Apply for Court-Ordered Nafaqa and Enforce Payment in Saudi Arabia
- File immediately for a temporary nafaqa order via Najiz.sa — courts process these urgently to provide instant relief.
- Submit your expense proofs (rent, school fees, medical) to establish the support amount.
- Enforce the order — if a payment is missed, apply to the Execution Court to garnish his salary, freeze his bank accounts, or impose a travel ban under the Personal Status Law.
Generate a formal legal letter to support your maintenance claim using our Legal Letter Generator.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay filing. Unpaid maintenance accumulates as a debt; acting promptly makes recovery easier and preserves your entitlements.
- Do not accept verbal promises. Secure a binding court order so enforcement through the Execution Court is available if needed.
- Do not link child visitation to payment disputes — courts treat custody and maintenance as separate matters, and mixing them can affect your custody position.
About Family Law in Oman
Saudi family law is now codified under the Personal Status Law (Royal Decree No. M/73 of 2022) — the country's first written family code. Marriage needs both parties' consent, a mahr, two witnesses, and registration through Najiz; minimum age is 18 and premarital medical screening is mandatory. Divorce runs through talaq, khul', or judicial dissolution. Custody follows the best-interests-of-the-child standard, while inheritance still uses Sharia shares. The Protection from Abuse Law (Royal Decree No. M/52 of 2013) covers domestic violence. Women no longer need a male guardian to travel, work, or live independently.
Common Questions
What is the child support & spousal maintenance (nafaqa) right in Oman?
If your husband or ex-husband has stopped paying nafaqa (maintenance), Saudi law allows you to file an urgent claim through the Najiz portal. Courts can issue interim orders to secure payment while the main case is pending, and the Execution Court can enforce those orders.
When does it apply — child support & spousal maintenance (nafaqa)?
Your husband or ex-husband cut off financial support and left you without basic necessities.The father is refusing to pay child support and your children's stability is at immediate risk.You need an urgent court order to force payment while your main case is pending.
What is the fastest way to force my spouse to pay child support and spousal maintenance in Saudi Arabia?
File immediately for a temporary nafaqa order via Najiz.sa — courts process these urgently to provide instant relief.Submit your expense proofs (rent, school fees, medical) to establish the support amount.Enforce the order — if a payment is missed, apply to the Execution Court to garnish his salary, freeze his bank accounts, or impose a travel ban under the Personal Status Law.Generate a formal legal letter to support your maintenance claim using our Legal Letter Generator.
What should you NOT do — child support & spousal maintenance (nafaqa)?
Do not delay filing. Unpaid maintenance accumulates as a debt; acting promptly makes recovery easier and preserves your entitlements.Do not accept verbal promises. Secure a binding court order so enforcement through the Execution Court is available if needed.Do not link child visitation to payment disputes — courts treat custody and maintenance as separate matters, and mixing them can affect your custody position.