Morocco unveiled major reforms to its family law on Tuesday in Rabat, the first review in 20 years. The changes aim to strengthen women’s rights in child custody, guardianship, and polygamy while addressing societal shifts.
Key amendments include raising the minimum age for child marriage exemptions from 15 to 17. Women will gain shared parental guardianship during and after marriage, and divorced mothers can retain custody even after remarriage. Polygamy will face stricter conditions, requiring the wife’s consent and valid justifications like infertility or illness.
The reforms simplify divorce processes with electronic notifications and propose a non-judicial mediation body for disputes. Custody will become a shared responsibility, with expanded housing rights for children. Alimony and child support will follow new standards to expedite judgments.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi stressed the updates close gaps in existing laws. New proposals value a wife’s contributions to marital assets and allow parents to donate to daughters. Spouses of different religions can now exchange wills and donations.
King Mohammed VI initiated these reforms to promote justice, equality, and alignment with Islamic values and human rights. The legislation, which includes 139 updates, awaits parliamentary and royal approval, signaling a significant step forward for women’s rights.
