Family
Common-law family statutes with a Family Court
Family matters are governed by statute against a common-law background, principally the Married Persons (Protection) Act, the Families and Children Act and the Supreme Court's matrimonial jurisdiction. A dedicated Family Court sits in Belize City for maintenance and protection matters.
Key rules
- Marriage requires both parties to be 18, or 16 with parental consent under the Marriage Act.
- Divorce is granted by the Supreme Court, with adultery, cruelty and desertion as grounds and a one-year bar after marriage.
- Property on divorce is distributed on statutory and equitable principles rather than a community regime.
- The Families and Children Act governs custody, applying the welfare of the child as paramount.
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised, though same-sex conduct was decriminalised in 2016.
Governing law
- Families and Children Act (Cap 173)Custody, maintenance and child welfare.
- Married Persons (Protection) Act (Cap 175)Maintenance and protection orders.
- Domestic Violence Act (Cap 178)Protection orders.
In practice
The Family Court handles maintenance and domestic violence applications without the need for counsel and is the practical entry point for most claimants. Supreme Court divorce petitions require a lawyer and take considerably longer.