Alimony and Custody in Jordanian Law – Conditions, Amounts & Complete Procedures

Alimony and custody cases are among the most sensitive family matters, as they directly affect the lives and stability of children. Jordanian law gives these cases special attention, making the best interest of the child the foremost standard in every decision.

In this guide, we explain the types of alimony and how it is assessed, along with custody conditions and visitation rights, based on practical experience in the Sharia Courts.

Types of Alimony in Jordanian Law

The law guarantees several types of alimony, including:

• Wife's alimony: Owed by the husband to his wife during the marriage and during the waiting period (iddah).
• Children's alimony: Includes food, clothing, housing, education, and medical care.
• Iddah alimony: Due to the divorced woman during her waiting period.
• Relatives' alimony: Such as parents' alimony on financially capable children when needed.
• Education alimony: Covers study expenses at various stages.

How Is Alimony Assessed?

The court assesses alimony based on several factors:

• The income and financial capacity of the person obligated (husband or father).
• The number of those entitled to alimony and their ages.
• The family's customary standard of living.
• General economic conditions.

It is worth noting that alimony is subject to modification (increase or decrease) when circumstances change.

Custody in Jordanian Law

Custody is the right to care for and raise the child. Under Jordanian law, the mother is usually more entitled to the custody of a young child, and custody continues until a certain age specified by law, with consideration for the best interest of the child in all cases.

Custodian Conditions:

• Maturity and soundness of mind.
• Trustworthiness and ability to care for the child.
• Freedom from serious contagious diseases.
• Not being married to someone unrelated to the child in certain cases.

Visitation, Accompaniment, and Visiting Rights

The non-custodial party (usually the father) has the right to see their children according to controls organized by the court. These rights include:

• Visitation: Meeting the child at a specified place and time.
• Accompaniment: Taking the child for a specified period and then returning them.
• Visiting: Visiting the child at their place of residence.

The court determines these rights in a way that balances the right of the custodian with that of the other party, and in a way that serves the child's interest.

Procedures for Filing an Alimony or Custody Claim

1. 1Filing the statement of claim before the competent Sharia Court.
2. 2Notifying the other party of the hearing date.
3. 3Presenting evidence related to income or custody circumstances.
4. 4Holding hearings and hearing the parties.
5. 5Issuing the ruling determining alimony or custody and visitation rights.

Practical Tips

• Keep everything that proves the income of the person obligated to support your request.
• Document your actual expenses on the children.
• Do not hesitate to request alimony modification when circumstances change.

Why Do You Need a Specialized Sharia Lawyer?

A Sharia lawyer specialized in alimony and custody ensures:

• Assessing a fair alimony amount and proving it before the court.
• Protecting your right to custody or visitation.
• Following up on enforcement of rulings in case of refusal.
• Handling modification or revocation requests.

Conclusion

Alimony and custody are fundamental rights guaranteed by Jordanian law to protect children and the family. Engaging an experienced Sharia lawyer ensures you obtain your rights and your children's rights fairly.

The Law Office of Sharia Lawyer Ahmad Aljarrah provides consultation and full representation in alimony and custody cases in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa.