Child Custody (Hadana) Rules
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Qatari National Law
What is this right?
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 girls, unless the court decides otherwise.
- The father retains guardianship (wilaya) over the child's education, finances, and major decisions.
- The court considers the child's best interests as the primary factor.
- The custodial parent must provide a suitable home and not remarry someone who is not a close relative of the child (for mothers).
- The non-custodial parent has the right to visitation, which the court will arrange.
A child who reaches the hadana age limit may be given the choice of which parent to live with, depending on the court's assessment.
When does it apply?
- You are divorcing and need to arrange custody of your children.
- You are a custodial parent and the other parent is violating the custody order.
- You want to modify an existing custody arrangement.
What should you do?
- File a custody claim with the Sharia Court as part of or after divorce proceedings.
- Provide evidence that you can offer a stable and suitable home for the child.
- If the other parent violates the custody order, report it to the court for enforcement.
- Cooperate with visitation arrangements ordered by the court.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not take children out of Qatar without the other parent's consent or a court order. This can be treated as abduction.
- Do not deny the other parent visitation if the court has ordered it.
- Do not put children in the middle of disputes. The court prioritizes their emotional wellbeing.
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