Family
Family law inside the Civil Code, with monogamy constitutionally required
Family relations are governed by Book 7 of the Civil Code rather than a separate family statute. Marriage is monogamous, and polygamy is a criminal offence. Divorce may be by mutual consent or on fault grounds, and requires court involvement. Foreign marriage to a Cambodian national is subject to specific administrative requirements including age and income conditions.
Governing law
- Civil Code, 2007, Book 7 — Marriage, divorce, parentage and custody.
- Law on Inter-Country Adoption, 2009 — Foreign adoption procedure.
In practice
Minimum marriage age is 18, with limited exceptions from 16 with consent. Marriage is strictly monogamous; polygamy is criminalised. Divorce requires a court judgment, whether contested or by consent. Property acquired during marriage is generally common property, divided on divorce. Foreign men marrying Cambodian women face administrative age and income screening introduced to address trafficking concerns. Adoption by foreigners is governed by the 2009 Inter-Country Adoption Law and has been subject to suspensions.