Family
2017 Civil Code unified family law and abolished separate personal codes
The Muluki Civil Code 2074 (2017) governs marriage, divorce, adoption and succession for all Nepalis. Registration of marriage is required, and daughters have equal inheritance rights.
Governing law
- Muluki Civil Code, 2074 (2017), Parts on Marriage and Succession
- Domestic Violence (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2066
- Act Relating to Children, 20752018
In practice
Equal coparcenary rights for daughters, established by earlier amendments and carried into the Code, ended a long-standing discrimination. Minimum marriage age is twenty for both parties. Divorce grounds differ somewhat between husband and wife, with the wife able to petition on grounds including the husband taking another spouse. Polygamy is a criminal offence. Same-sex marriages began to be registered following a 2023 Supreme Court interim order, ahead of legislation.