Egypt Unveils Sweeping 355-Article Family Law to Rewrite Personal Status Rules

Egypt’s Cabinet has approved a draft unified Family Law, consolidating five fragmented, century-old statutes into a single 355-article code designed to streamline litigation and reduce family disputes.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the government remains open to parliamentary feedback and amendments as the bill moves forward. The draft follows directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to fast-track family law reforms for both Muslims and Christians, alongside measures relating to the Family Support Fund.

Madbouly described the bill as the second in a series of three proposed family laws, with a final draft expected to be reviewed at a later Cabinet meeting. The legislation was prepared over more than a year through over 40 sessions by a committee comprising male and female judges.

Grounded in Islamic Sharia as the principal source of legislation under Article 2 of the Constitution, the draft seeks to uphold family stability and prioritise the best interests of the child, in line with constitutional guarantees and international obligations. It also underscores gender equality and the protection of women from all forms of violence.

The law is structured into three main sections covering personal guardianship, financial guardianship, and procedural rules before family courts. It also includes six issuance provisions in addition to 355 substantive articles.

A key feature is the introduction of a marriage contract annex setting out agreements on the marital home and financial arrangements. This annex will carry enforceable status, enabling direct execution through court mechanisms. The draft also regulates pre-marital insurance policies and requires awareness measures to educate couples on the consequences of divorce and khula, with an emphasis on reconciliation.

In child custody matters, the bill introduces electronic visitation mechanisms where physical meetings are not feasible, ensuring continued parental engagement. Courts are directed to prioritise the child’s welfare in all decisions, including the handling of hearings involving minors.

To reduce the burden on litigants, the law mandates that all claims relating to alimony, wages, and expenses be filed in a single case before one court, eliminating the need for multiple proceedings. These cases will remain exempt from judicial fees, while family prosecution authorities will be tasked with verifying the respondent’s income.

The draft also establishes dedicated execution departments within primary courts to expedite the enforcement of family rulings. It further requires the use of sign language in marriage and divorce contracts to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities.

Additionally, the legislation integrates digital systems for judicial notifications, electronic filings, and coordination between family courts, prosecution bodies, and the Family Support Fund to improve efficiency and enforcement.

Officials have emphasised that the effectiveness of the law will depend not only on its provisions but also on its implementation and public awareness of its objectives, alongside adherence to its broader spirit.

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