10 Facts about Divorce in Qatar You May Not Know

Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage between two spouses. It can be a difficult and stressful process, especially for expats who have to deal with different laws and cultures. In this article, we will share 10 facts about divorce in Qatar that you may not know.

1. Qatar has one of the lowest divorce rates in the world. According to the World Bank, the divorce rate in Qatar was 0.4 per 1,000 people in 2017, which is much lower than the global average of 3.2 per 1,000 people. However, the divorce rate in Qatar has increased by 70% over the last 15 years, mainly due to better education for women, increased female involvement in the workplace, marrying too young, and family interference.
2. Qatar has different laws for Muslim and non-Muslim expats. Family Law 22 of 2006 governs marriage and divorce in Qatar for Muslim expats. Non-Muslim expats can choose to apply the laws of the husband's home country to their divorce. However, if the foreign laws are not clear or contradict Qatari law, Qatari law will apply.
3. Qatar has different grounds for divorce for husbands and wives. For Muslim expats, the grounds for divorce are based on Sharia law, which are different for husbands and wives. A husband can divorce his wife by pronouncing talaq (repudiation) three times, while a wife can divorce her husband by khula (release) or faskh (annulment). For non-Muslim expats, the grounds for divorce are based on the laws of the husband's home country, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
4. Qatar has two ways to get a divorce: by mutual consent or by filing a petition. If both spouses agree to end their marriage, they can do so by signing a written agreement and submitting it to the concerned District Court. The agreement should include the details of the divorce, such as the reason, the division of property, the arrangement of alimony, and the custody of children. The court will verify the agreement and grant the divorce within 15 days, if there are no objections from any third parties. This is the easiest and fastest way to get a divorce in Qatar. If one spouse wants to get a divorce but the other spouse does not consent, the former can file a petition in the court, stating the grounds for the divorce. The court will then issue a notice to the other spouse, asking for a reply within 35 days. The court will also appoint a mediator to help the spouses resolve their issues amicably. If the mediation fails, the court will proceed with the trial and decide the case based on the evidence and arguments presented by both parties.
5. Qatar has a waiting period of three months for women after divorce. This is called the iddah, which is a period of time during which a woman cannot remarry after divorce or widowhood. The purpose of the iddah is to determine whether the woman is pregnant or not, and to protect her rights and dignity. The iddah for divorce is three menstrual cycles or three lunar months, whichever is longer. The iddah for widowhood is four lunar months and ten days.
6. Qatar has different rules for child custody and child support after divorce. For Muslim expats, child custody and child support are governed by Sharia law, which gives preference to the mother for young children and the father for older children. The mother can have custody of her sons until they reach the age of puberty, and of her daughters until they get married. The father can have custody of his sons after they reach the age of puberty, and of his daughters after they get married or reach the age of 18, whichever comes first. The father is also responsible for providing financial support for his children until they become independent. For non-Muslim expats, child custody and child support are governed by the laws of the husband's home country, which may differ depending on the jurisdiction.
7. Qatar has different rules for property division and spousal maintenance after divorce. For Muslim expats, property division and spousal maintenance are governed by Sharia law, which gives each spouse the right to keep their own property and assets that they acquired before or during the marriage. However, if the spouses have a joint property or business, they will have to divide it according to their shares or contributions. The husband is also obliged to pay a deferred dowry (mahr) to his wife, if he has not done so before the divorce. The wife can also claim a compensation (muta) from her husband, if he divorced her without a valid reason or if she suffered any harm or injustice from him. For non-Muslim expats, property division and spousal maintenance are governed by the laws of the husband's home country, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
8. Qatar has different options for alternatives to divorce. For Muslim expats, there are two alternatives to divorce: reconciliation and arbitration. Reconciliation is when the spouses try to resolve their differences and restore their marriage, with or without the help of a mediator. Arbitration is when the spouses appoint two arbitrators, one from each side, to investigate their case and suggest a solution, which may include divorce or reconciliation. For non-Muslim expats, there are other alternatives to divorce, such as separation, annulment, or mediation. Separation is when the spouses live apart without ending their marriage legally. Annulment is when the court declares that the marriage was invalid or void from the beginning, due to certain reasons, such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity. Mediation is when the spouses hire a neutral third party to help them reach a settlement, without going to court.
9. Qatar has different effects of divorce on the spouses and their children. Divorce has several legal and social effects on the spouses and their children, such as:
   • The marital relationship between the spouses ends and they are free to remarry
   • The property, assets, and liabilities of the spouses are divided according to the agreement or the court's decision
   • The alimony, if any, is paid by one spouse to the other according to the agreement or the court's decision
   • The custody and maintenance of the children, if any, are determined by the agreement or the court's decision
   • The inheritance rights of the spouses and the children are affected by the divorce
   • The social status and reputation of the spouses and the children may change due to the divorce
10. Qatar has different resources for divorce support and advice. For expats who are going through a divorce in Qatar, there are some resources that can provide support and advice, such as:
    • Lawyers: A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options when it comes to getting a divorce in Qatar. They can also represent you in court and negotiate on your behalf. You can find a list of lawyers in Qatar here.
    • Counsellors: A counsellor can help you cope with the emotional and psychological impact of divorce. They can also provide guidance and therapy for you and your children. You can find a list of counsellors in Qatar here.
    • Support Groups: A support group can provide you with a safe and confidential space to share your feelings and experiences with other people who are going through a similar situation. They can also offer you friendship and encouragement. You can find a list of support groups in Qatar here.

Conclusion
Divorce is a complex and challenging process, especially for expats who have to deal with different laws and cultures. In this article, we have shared 10 facts about divorce in Qatar that you may not know. We hope that this information has helped you gain a better understanding of the divorce process in Qatar. If you need any legal assistance or advice regarding divorce in Qatar, please contact us. We are a team of experienced and professional lawyers who can help you with your divorce case.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult with a qualified and experienced Lawyer for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.