Majlis passes fair divorce settlement bill

People’s Majlis on Monday passed the bill to allow for a fair settlement of wealth attained during marriage between divorcing couples.

The amendment to Family Act was passed with vote of 50 members attending the session. Only four members voted against the amendment.

According to the new amendment to Article 32 (a) of Family Act, court has the authority to fairly settle wealth attained during a marriage between a divorcing couple before authorizing, or registering the divorce.

Article 11 says that when approaching marriage, the couple needs to include how they will be leading their married life in a written agreement or prenuptial agreement between the two. And that the agreement needs to be prepared in compliance with Islamic Sharia.

The new amendment authorizing court to settle wealth attained during marriage is only applicable if any conflict arises between a divorcing couple who made a prenuptial agreement before marrying.

Things court needs to consider when settling wealth:

• Looking at the exact figure of money or property attained during marriage.

• Deciding how much right each spouse has over the money or property.

The amendment was proposed with the objective of fulfilling the current government’s promise to empower women and minimize suffering of women when a marriage falls apart. As well as to ensure that each spouse gets fair share of money and property achieved during a marriage if they divorce.

Majlis Speaker, MP Maseeh. Photo: Majlis

Majlis Speaker and South Fuvahmulah MP Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed commended the Majlis's decision to pass the bill, saying it was a monumental step taken towards improving criminal justice in the country.