Family law
عائلی قانون
Family law covers marriage, divorce, dower, maintenance, custody of children and related disputes.
What is Family law law in Pakistan?
Family disputes are heard by a Family Court under the Family Courts Act, 1964, which covers matters such as dissolution of marriage (including khula), dower, maintenance, custody and guardianship. The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 and the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 supply the rules.
Which are the main laws?
- Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (1961)
- Family Courts Act (1964)
- Guardians and Wards Act (1890)
- Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act (1939)
Which courts hear these cases?
- Family Courts
- Supreme Court of Pakistan
- Lahore High Court
- High Court of Sindh
- Peshawar High Court
- High Court of Balochistan
- Islamabad High Court
Which terms will I meet?
- Khula
- Talaq
- Maintenance
- Custody and guardianship
- Dower (haq mehr)
- Nikah registration
- Succession certificate
Common questions
- Which court hears a divorce or khula case?
- The Family Court. Its jurisdiction under the Schedule to the Family Courts Act, 1964 includes dissolution of marriage (including khula), dower, maintenance, custody of children and guardianship.
- What is the difference between custody and guardianship?
- Custody is who the child lives with; guardianship is legal authority over the child and property. See the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.