Practice Areas
Family Law: Divorce, Custody & Alimony
Family disputes in Egypt move through a dedicated family court system with its own procedures for custody, alimony and divorce. We represent Egyptian and mixed-nationality clients through every stage of the case.
What the service covers
Family court representation in Cairo for divorce, khul', custody, visitation, alimony and guardianship, for Egyptians and mixed couples.
- Divorce and khul' proceedings
- Custody, visitation and travel permission
- Alimony, maintenance and marital home
- Guardianship and documentation of children
How we handle it
- 1
Case assessment and documentation review
- 2
Filing the divorce, khula or custody claim
- 3
Mediation session at the Family Dispute Settlement Office
- 4
Litigation and enforcement of the family court judgment
Common risks to watch for
- Personal-status rules in Egypt differ by religion and nationality — the applicable law must be assessed before filing.
- Custody and travel-with-children rules are strict; leaving Egypt with children without consent can create criminal exposure.
- Financial claims (alimony, housing) have limitation periods that run from specific dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between divorce and khula in Egypt?
Divorce initiated by the husband ends the marriage unilaterally, while khula allows the wife to end the marriage through a court judgment, generally by returning the dowry and waiving further financial claims.
Who normally gets custody of young children in Egypt?
Egyptian law generally grants custody of young children to the mother, subject to conditions and age limits set by the Personal Status Law, with visitation rights for the other parent.
Must family disputes go through mediation first?
Yes, most family cases in Egypt must pass through the Family Dispute Settlement Office for an attempted amicable settlement before litigation proceeds.
Clients with this matter often also need: marriage lawyer for foreigners in Cairo, inheritance and estate distribution lawyer in Cairo, real estate contract drafting and review in Cairo.
Need a trusted lawyer in Cairo?
A confidential consultation with Mohamed Ashraf Hosny — Tahrir Square office, in front of the Cabinet.