Family
Marriage Act codifies Buddhist practice into statute
The Marriage Act 1980 governs marriage, divorce and custody for all citizens without splitting by religion. Registration of marriage is required and unregistered unions have limited legal effect.
Governing law
- Marriage Act of Bhutan, 1980amended 1996
- Child Care and Protection Act, 2011
- Domestic Violence Prevention Act, 2013
In practice
Divorce is available on grounds including adultery, desertion and mutual consent, with compensation payable by a spouse at fault. Marriage between a Bhutanese citizen and a foreign national requires official permission and affects the foreign spouse's employment and land rights, not merely their visa. Custody is decided on the child's welfare, and the 2013 Act created protection orders enforceable through the courts.