Saudi Arabia Divorce Guide: Laws, Process & Costs
Everything you need to know about divorce in Saudi Arabia.5 in-depth guides covering your rights, costs, and options.
Legal System
Sharia (Islamic law)
Divorce Type
Talaq (husband), Khula (wife), or judicial
Waiting Period
Iddah: 3 months waiting after divorce
Average Cost
SAR 5,000–100,000+
Property System
Separate property
Residency
Residence in Saudi Arabia
Divorce Law in Saudi Arabia: Overview
Saudi Arabia's divorce law is based on Sharia (Islamic law) as interpreted by the Hanbali school. A husband can divorce his wife by pronouncing talaq — a unilateral declaration that does not require court approval (though it should be registered). A wife can obtain khula by petitioning the court and typically returning her mahr (dowry). Since 2019, Saudi women can register divorces directly without a male guardian's approval, and the Muwathaq electronic platform allows divorce registration online. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms are gradually modernizing family courts and women's rights, but the fundamental Sharia framework remains.
Key Legislation
Sharia (Islamic Law) — Hanbali School
Primary source of family law in Saudi Arabia.
Personal Status Law (2022)
First codified personal status law — previously unwritten judicial interpretation.
Vision 2030 judicial reforms
Modernizing court system, establishing family courts, electronic services.
Grounds for Divorce
- ●Talaq: husband's unilateral right to divorce (3 pronouncements over 3 months)
- ●Khula: wife petitions court, typically returns mahr (dowry payment)
- ●Faskh: judicial dissolution for harm, non-maintenance, long absence, impotence, or deception
How to Divorce in Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step
Talaq (husband-initiated)
Husband pronounces divorce. Should be registered at court or Muwathaq platform.
Khula (wife-initiated)
Wife petitions family court. Must typically return all or part of mahr.
Reconciliation attempt
Court appoints arbitrators from each family to attempt reconciliation.
Iddah (waiting period)
3 months (or until delivery if pregnant). Wife cannot remarry during iddah.
Registration
Divorce registered in civil records. Can be done electronically via Muwathaq.
Recent Legal Reforms
First codified Personal Status Law — previously based entirely on judicial interpretation of Sharia.
Women can register divorces directly without male guardian's approval.
Muwathaq platform launched for electronic divorce registration.
What Makes Saudi Arabia Divorce Unique
- →Talaq: husband can divorce unilaterally by declaration — no court needed
- →Mahr (dowry) functions as a built-in financial settlement — paid from husband to wife at marriage
- →Iddah: mandatory 3-month waiting period for the wife after divorce
- →Custody transfers from mother to father at specific ages (varies by interpretation)
- →First codified personal status law ever enacted in 2022 — before that, judges applied unwritten Sharia interpretation
Saudi Arabia Divorce Statistics
~30% of marriages (rising)
Divorce rate
Majority of divorces
Talaq divorces
High (if mahr is returned)
Khula success rate
Saudi Arabia Divorce Guides
Saudi Arabia Property Division
How assets and debts are divided
Saudi Arabia Spousal Support
Maintenance and alimony
Saudi Arabia Child Custody
Custody and parenting arrangements
Saudi Arabia Divorce Process & Timeline
Steps and how long it takes
Saudi Arabia Divorce Costs
Fees, costs, and legal aid
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Legal Disclaimer: This article covers Saudi Arabia divorce law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified family law attorney or solicitor in Saudi Arabia for advice specific to your situation.