Family Law
Marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and domestic violence protections under Qatar's Family Law and Sharia-based system.
Marriage Requirements and Registration
Marriage in Qatar is governed by the Family Law, which is based on Islamic Sharia principles:Both parties must consent freely to the marriage. Forced marriage is prohibited.The minimum marriage age is...
Divorce Procedures
Qatar recognizes several types of divorce:Talaq (husband-initiated): The husband can pronounce divorce, but it must be registered with the court to be legally effective. The wife is entitled to mainte...
Child Custody (Hadana) Rules
Child custody in Qatar follows Sharia-based principles focused on the child's welfare:Hadana (physical custody) is typically granted to the mother for young children: until age 13 for boys and 15 for...
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Qatar law requires financial support for children and former spouses:The father is responsible for financially supporting his children, including housing, food, education, and healthcare.Child support...
Inheritance Rules
Inheritance in Qatar follows Islamic Sharia law with fixed rules:Fixed shares (faraid): Sharia prescribes specific shares for each heir. For example, a surviving wife receives 1/8 if there are childre...
Domestic Violence Protections
Qatar criminalized domestic violence with a dedicated law in 2020:Physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse within the family are all recognized forms of domestic violence.Victims can obtain...
Guardianship and Kafala
Qatar uses a guardianship system based on Sharia principles:Wilaya (guardianship) over a child's person and property belongs to the father, then the paternal grandfather.The guardian manages the child...
Non-Muslim Family Law Application
Non-Muslims in Qatar may have their own personal laws applied in certain family matters:Qatar's Family Law (Law No. 22 of 2006) primarily applies to Muslims. Non-Muslims may request that their home co...