Islamic Divorce Solicitors

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We understand how torn you can feel when going through an Islamic divorce. But if it’s no longer possible to have a harmonious relationship with your spouse, we can support you through the religious and legal processes. We value the differences between Sharia laws, and recognise that Islamic laws need to be considered along with any UK legal requirements.

Our Islamic divorce solicitors are particularly experienced in cases involving high net worth individuals, senior executives and business owners. We can also help where you have property in other countries, or where your spouse or children live abroad.

Call our friendly team on 0370 1500 100 or contact us online for a consultation about your case.

What Islamic Family Law Services Do We Offer?

Our Islamic family law solicitors can help you with:

  • Marriage contracts (Nikah) and pre-nuptial agreements.
  • Deciding on the dowry (Mahr) that should be given, and if it should be returned if you divorce.
  • Islamic divorce initiated by the man (Talaq) or woman (Khula).
  • International divorces, where you may be living in a different country to your spouse.
  • Annulments – it may be possible to annul a marriage rather than divorce in some situations.
  • Domestic abuse – we can help you with a range of protective legal measures.
  • Financial settlement following divorce.
  • Arrangements for your children, including who they should live with and issues around parents wishing to relocate.
  • Matrimonial assets on divorce – we can help you make or defend claims about family assets – especially jewellery.

For more information about the Islamic divorce process read our series of articles by Sarah AlJourani. 

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What's The Legal Status Of An Islamic Marriage In The UK?

An Islamic marriage that takes place in the UK is not legally recognised unless a civil ceremony also takes place. If you haven’t gone through the civil process, it may mean that you can’t make the same level of financial claim if you divorce.

This is an area of the law that needs reform, as it disadvantages Muslims getting married in the UK. If you were married in a foreign country where Islamic marriage is recognised, your marriage would be recognised in the UK – without the need for a civil ceremony.

We have experience helping people married in the UK, as well as those married in Egypt, Pakistan and elsewhere. We can advise you on the legal status of your marriage, and what that could mean for the financial settlement with your spouse.

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What’s The Process For Getting An Islamic Divorce?

You should expect the Islamic divorce process to take a few months. The process for getting the Talaq (male-initiated divorce) is:

  1. Apply to the Islamic Sharia Council – the husband applies to the Council. The council will contact the wife to ask whether she would like mediation.
  2. Mediation – to see if you can be reconciled.
  3. Issuing of the Talaq – if mediation is not required or unsuccessful (and the required payment of the Mahr has been made), the Council will issue the Talaq to the husband.
  4. Waiting period (Iddah) – the wife must wait three months, or three menstrual cycles. During this time you can still be reconciled, and the husband must continue to maintain the wife.
  5. Issuing of divorce certificate – after the Iddah has been completed the Council will issue the Divorce Certificate to both parties.

Alongside the Islamic divorce process, there is also the civil divorce process. Our lawyers can help you through all stages of these processes.

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Why Choose Us?

We’ve worked with Islamic Councils around the country, and are sensitive to the subtle cultural and religious differences between communities. Just recently we’ve appeared on a number of Punjabi radio stations, and presented to West Midlands Police about Islamic family law. Mark Hands, who is one of our Islamic divorce solicitors, has built a reputation advising Asian families and regularly writes and lectures on Islamic family law issues.

We were delighted to win Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award at The Asian Today’s Signature Awards in 2020.

Our Islamic family solicitors help clients across the country – particularly in and around:

  • London
  • Birmingham
  • Manchester
  • Leeds
  • Sheffield.

We specialise in complex cases that may also involve high net worth individuals. Our lawyers can also help if your case involves an international element – whether that's assets owned in multiple countries, or where children have been taken abroad.

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Mediation Support Service – 30-Minute Consultation

Family mediation can be a less confrontational and more cost-effective way to resolve a dispute. We offer a 30-minute consultation with one of our solicitors to discuss your situation and if mediation is right for you.

If you decide to go ahead with mediation, you can benefit from our cost effective mediation support service. This service will give you the advice, support and tools to get the best possible outcome – particularly if you’re representing yourself.

Contact Us

For a consultation about your Islamic family law issue, call us on 0370 1500 100 or contact us online.

Call today for more information

0370 1500 100

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Sarah Al-Jourani
Sarah Al-Jourani Solicitor Meet the team

Our Teams

Related Information - Islamic Divorce Solicitors

International Divorce - We can help if your divorce involves people or assets in different countries
High Net Worth Divorce - We can help protect your assets and business interests
Wills & Estates – It is important to update your will when your family situation changes
Fixed-Fee Divorce - A quick, easy and cost-effective way to get divorces if you and your partner have agreed to separate

Awards & Accreditations

We're always proud to be recognised for the work we do for our clients and have been named as a leading firm in the latest legal guides - which provide information and recommendations about lawyers and law firms in the UK.

Chambers & Partners 2020 logo
A Quality Service
The team are very approachable, available to answer questions and to offer support"
Legal 500, 2020
A High Level Of Service
They consistently endeavour to offer a high level of service to their clients"
Chambers, 2020

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