Family
Family Act applies Islamic family law through the Family Court
The Family Act 2000 governs marriage, divorce and custody applying Islamic law. Divorce must be registered through the Family Court, and unilateral extra-judicial talaq is not recognised.
Governing law
- Family ActLaw 4/2000
- Child Rights Protection ActLaw 19/2019
- Domestic Violence Prevention ActLaw 3/2012
In practice
Requiring divorce to pass through the court was a deliberate reform in a jurisdiction that once had among the world's highest divorce rates. Polygamy is permitted with court permission based on capacity to maintain. Custody normally follows the mother for young children with the father as guardian, and maintenance is enforceable through the court. Marriage of a Maldivian to a non-Muslim is not permitted.