Detailed Divorce Procedures and Alimony Calculation in Saudi Courts

The new Saudi Personal Status Law has revolutionized family matters and dispute resolution.

It aims to reduce prolonged court disputes and expedite alimony and custody rulings.

This ensures stability and a decent life for the most vulnerable parties: the children and the wife.

Official Divorce Documentation Steps

Divorce is no longer legally recognized merely through verbal pronouncement without official documentation:

• Electronic Submission: Submitting a divorce registration request via the Ministry of Justice's Najiz platform.

• Referral to Reconciliation: The request goes to a reconciliation center to attempt mending the relationship between spouses.

• Issuing the Document: If reconciliation fails, the divorce is documented, and post-divorce obligations are determined.

Alimony Estimation and Types

Alimony is a primary post-divorce issue. The court estimates its value based on several factors:

• Provider's Capacity: The husband's financial situation, income sources, and other obligations are studied.

• Dependents' Needs: Basic living needs, education, and healthcare costs for the children are calculated.

• Economic Situation: Inflation is considered, and the custodian can file for an alimony increase later.

Rights of the Divorced Wife

• Waiting Period Alimony: A wife in a revocable divorce is entitled to full alimony during her waiting period.

• Housing: The father must provide suitable housing for the custodian and his children, or pay a housing allowance.