A. Introduction The Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (LRA 1976) governs civil marriages and divorces for non-Muslims in Malaysia. Central to its jurisdictional framework are sections 48 and 49, which determine when Malaysian courts can hear petitions for divorce and judicial separation. These provisions ensure that only cases with a sufficient connection to…
What is a Single Status Certificate? A Single Status Certificate, or a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, is an official document issued by relevant authorities to confirm that an individual is not currently married or legally prohibited from marrying. The certificate is commonly required when individuals intend to marry someone from another country and…
In the past, women were often confined to household responsibilities, with their contributions limited to managing the home and caring for the family. However, this traditional division of roles has evolved considerably. Today, women are active participants in the workforce, contributing financially and professionally at levels equal to their spouses. Given these societal shifts, the…
BACKGROUND FACTS 1. On 18 April 2024, several major news portals reported on a recent divorce case decided by High Court Judge Evrol Mariette Peters. Among others, FMT reported the case with a headline of ‘Agreement for husband to have mistress during marriage valid, court rules’. 2. This is the High Court case of HLC…
In Malaysia, the division of assets acquired during a marriage (matrimonial assets) for non-Muslims is governed by the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (“LRA”). Section 76 of the LRA empowers the court to distribute these assets fairly upon granting a divorce or judicial separation. Definition of Matrimonial Assets Matrimonial assets include all immovable…
Majlis pernikahan yang dilakukan di dalam dan luar negara tanpa kebenaran Mahkamah Syariah sudah menjadi amalan dan budaya masyarakat Malaysia tanpa mengetahui impak serta kesan yang akan berlaku sekiranya pernikahan tersebut tidak didaftarkan di Malaysia. 1. Apakah yang dimaksudkan dengan “bernikah tanpa kebenaran”? Bernikah tanpa kebenaran merupakan pernikahan yang dilakukan tanpa memenuhi garis panduan yang…
In the context of Malaysian society, where family values are deeply entrenched and the legal system intertwines with cultural norms, the concept of prenuptial agreements may seem foreign to some. However, as financial landscapes become more complex and marriages more diverse, understanding the intricacies of prenuptial agreements under Malaysian law has never been more crucial….
Dalam menuntut perceraian di Mahkamah Syariah, ramai pihak bimbang sekiranya suami/isteri beliau tidak mahu memberikan kerjasama dan tidak bersetuju dalam tuntutan perceraian yang telah difailkan. Oleh itu, wujudnya HAKAM sebagai alternatif bagi memudahkan tuntutan perceraian. 1. Apakah itu Hakam ? Hakam adalah seseorang yang dilantik oleh suami, isteri atau mahkamah sebagai penimbangtara dengan tujuan menyelesaikan…
Here the general steps you may need to take when you receive a single divorce petition:- Review the Petition – carefully read the divorce petition to understand the grounds for divorce, requests made by the Petitioner (the person filing for divorce), and any supporting documents attached; Consult a Lawyer – it is highly advisable to…
Section 50 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (Act) sets out that no marriage shall be capable of being dissolved unless such a marriage has surpassed the period of two years upon it being registered. Nevertheless, the Act also provides for the exception of the prohibition which can be found under Section…
