Islamic Family Law

Our specialist team is experienced in Islamic law and the unique family law issues that people in the Muslim community may face. As experienced islamic divorce lawyers and islamic divorce solicitors, we advise on matters related to Islamic marriage, divorce, finances and children with sensitivity, offering expert support that’s tailored to our clients’ faith, religious requirements and priorities.

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Shereen Chohan

Really listening to people, to find out what they want and need, is the key to being able to give them the help and support necessary in matters of family law, and that’s my main priority. Whether it’s a divorce and the financial issues that accompany that, or a question of disputes over children in a relationship, I aim to give pragmatic and straightforward advice.

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An Islamic mother with her daughter

Our experience

Our expert family lawyers have specialist knowledge on Islamic family law and a real understanding of Muslim culture, religion and the sensitive nature of marital issues.

With connections to Islamic scholars and the Sharia Council, our team can advise on all aspects of Islamic marriage and divorce, whether initiated by the man (Talaq) or woman (Khula).

Islamic marriage and divorce

In Islam, marriage (Nikah) is a religious contract that comes with its own religious and legal implications, particularly in matters of divorce and inheritance that are not automatically covered by civil law.

Our specialist Islamic family solicitors understand that Islamic laws need to be considered along with any legal requirements for marriage and divorce in the UK. Our team can explain your rights, help you think about protecting your assets and assist with writing up your Nikah Nama before your Islamic marriage.

In the event of a relationship breakdown, either husband or wife can initiate divorce proceedings under Islamic law. We can offer guidance on obtaining a Khula or Talaq, support clients with their obligations to one another during the Iddat period and explore options for annulment.

Our team can also provide specialist advice on financial and child-related matters during Islamic divorce procedures.

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Family law advice for the Muslim community

Every marriage and family is different. We recognise the sensitive nature of family law issues and deliver personalised advice to each client, providing a bespoke service in every case.

Our specialist Islamic family solicitors can help with:

  • Drafting Islamic marriage contracts (Nikah Nama)
  • Deciding on the marriage gift (Mahr) and the rules relating to this
  • Islamic divorce procedures and the various options in Talaq and Khula
  • Advice on Iddat – the waiting period after the termination of marriage
  • Annulments
  • Referrals to Islamic marriage counselling and mediation
  • Financial settlements after divorce
  • Arrangements for your children after divorce
  • Foreign marriages and international divorces, where your spouse may be living abroad
  • Jurisdiction issues.

FAQs about Islamic Family Law

Under current law, Islamic marriages in the UK are not legally recognised unless a civil ceremony is also conducted.

The validity of your Nikah depends on the circumstances of your marriage, including where and how it took place. Our expert team can advise.

A Talaq divorce usually takes around three to four months, as you need to factor in the three-month Iddat (waiting) period.

Yes, once you’ve completed the waiting period of Iddat, you can remarry. Our team can advise on the drafting of the Nikkah Nama (marriage contract) for your next marriage.

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Hear what our clients say about us

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you and the wider team at HCR for your support and guidance over the past 18 months. In particular, James and Emily, who have been incredibly reassuring throughout what has been a very stressful and upsetting time in my life. I would not hesitate to recommend their services to anyone facing a similar situation.

Client testimonial Family law

Thank you for all that you have done for me also to your brilliant team. Especially Amy, thank you for your patience in this testing time for me.

Client testimonial Family law

Thank you so much for all your support through all of this. This has been the hardest time of my life and you have always been brilliant and professional at your job. You made me feel more comfortable with everything that went on.

Client testimonial Child and Parent Law

I can’t thank James Osborne and Lauren Powell-Bateson enough for the support they have given me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Their professionalism, compassion, and dedication have been truly outstanding from start to finish.

They guided me through every step with clear advice, patience, and genuine care, always making me feel supported and understood. Having solicitors who are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also kind and approachable made such a difference during a very challenging time. If you are looking for a family law solicitor, I would highly recommend James Osborne and Lauren Powell-Bateson. They have been absolutely fantastic.

Client testimonial Ms J G – Family Law

Thank you so much for you help and support in the preparation and at the hearing. I am so pleased with the order that we secured. It’s a huge relief.

Client testimonial Family law

I want to say a huge thank you to you and your team. You’ve been fantastic and have fully supported me and my children through this difficult journey. I can’t really thank you enough.
It’s great to know that you’re there too, if anything crops up in the future.

Client testimonial Family law

Amy’s help in this matter has been much appreciated and she made the process very smooth.

Client testimonial Family law

Thank you so much for the way in which this matter has been handled. You were so quick to get to grips with what is a complex case and we felt not only that the matter was in good hand professionally, with a clear direction, but that we were also listened to and supported on a personal level.

Client testimonial Family law

Thankyou so much for working on this cohabitation agreement for me, I always appreciate the extra effort you make.

Client testimonial Cohabitation agreement

At every step, Gweni was clear in her communication, strong willed but also empathetic when the stress of the process was a lot to deal with. I will always be grateful for Gweni’s (and her team’s) drive to ensure a positive outcome in the proceedings. A credit to her company and her profession.

Client testimonial Family Law

During what was without doubt the most difficult time of my life Gweni and her team provided a first class service in every aspect. Her knowledge, professionalism, advice and tenacity to stand up to the other sides demands was exemplary.

Client testimonial Family Law

Victoria is a real force of nature and is regarded as a powerhouse in the financial remedy world.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Our islamic divorce lawyers advise on the legal issues that arise when a religious marriage or divorce intersects with UK law, including financial settlements, children’s arrangements, and the recognition of religious processes such as nikah and talaq. We work with sensitivity to your faith and priorities, ensuring you understand both your religious obligations and your legal rights, so that any outcome reflects your wishes and is properly protected under English law.

Not automatically. A nikah, or Islamic marriage ceremony, is not recognised as a legally binding marriage under English law unless it is also registered as a civil marriage. This means that without a separate civil ceremony, couples may not have the same legal protections on separation that a registered marriage provides. Our islamic divorce solicitors can advise on what this means for your specific circumstances and what steps may be needed.

No, talaq alone does not legally end a marriage under English law, even though it may be recognised as ending the marriage religiously. To formally end a marriage in the eyes of UK law, a civil divorce must also be obtained through the court. Our islamic divorce lawyers can guide you through both processes, ensuring your religious and legal status are properly aligned and that no gaps are left unresolved.

Mahr, the gift or payment agreed as part of an Islamic marriage, can become a point of dispute during divorce, particularly where it was not paid in full or its terms were unclear. Our islamic divorce solicitors can advise on how mahr may be treated alongside other financial matters in a UK divorce, helping ensure your religious obligations and legal entitlements are both properly considered.

Yes. Our islamic divorce lawyers advise on children’s arrangements with an understanding of how faith and cultural considerations may factor into decisions about residence, contact, and upbringing. While English law remains the governing framework for decisions about children, we work to ensure your religious values and priorities are heard and reflected wherever possible throughout the process.