Saudi Arabia Implements New Personal Status Law
Saudi Arabia has begun implementing the new Personal Status Law, a landmark legal framework aimed at modernizing family law, after approval by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The 41-article regulation, which took effect on Friday, marks a significant step in the kingdom’s ongoing legal reforms, reinforcing women’s rights, marital laws, and child custody provisions in line with broader judicial modernization efforts.
Key Reforms Under the New Personal Status Law
Marriage Regulations and Legal Documentation
- Unapproved marriage contracts will now undergo structured reviews by the Minister of Justice and other authorities.
- The Ministry of Justice has been granted the power to introduce additional regulations based on evolving judicial applications.
- Marriage contracts between non-Muslims must now be officially documented, regardless of whether they share the same nationality.
Women’s Rights and Marital Provisions
- A wife’s right to request an annulment due to conditions preventing marital relations remains valid even if she did not take immediate legal action.
- A woman has the right to financial support from her husband, ensuring economic stability within marriage.
- The legal age of marriage is set at 18, preventing child marriages and aligning with international standards.
Child Custody and Privacy Protections
- A mother retains custody of a child under two years old, even if she remarries a man unrelated to the child.
- Marital privacy is strengthened by defining a breach as the presence of an observer capable of interpreting the couple’s relationship.
Legal Framework and Broader Implications
Saudi Arabia’s Judicial Modernization Efforts
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet first approved the Personal Status Law in March 2022, as part of a comprehensive legal overhaul championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This law is one of four key legal frameworks introduced in February 2021, alongside:
- Civil Transactions Law
- Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions
- Law of Evidence
These reforms aim to enhance judicial transparency, expand individual rights, and align Saudi Arabia’s legal system with international standards.
