Sharia Tradition Not a Reason to Refuse to Pay
Family and Spousal Maintenance
A Doctor has been ordered to continue paying his ex-wife maintenance. The court found that he did not want to pay as he felt it went against Islamic culture.
In traditional Muslim societies it is frequently expected that a wife will be supported by her family if she gets divorced. There is not usually an expectation that the husband should pay any maintenance.
In this case Dr Saffar was ordered to pay his wife £60,000 in maintenance. He did not do so therefore Mrs Saffer obtained an order for her husband to resume the monthly payments and pay £40,000 in arrears.
Dr Saffer appealed claiming his wife did not need the money as she had inherited money from her father.
The appeal was dismissed with the judge upholding the previous finding that Dr Saffar was unwilling to pay because ‘he felt the payments were illegitimate or illegal’ according to Islamic culture.
Divorce Solicitors and Lawyers Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate, East Sussex
If you would like advice on divorce and finances please contact our Family Law Department for a free initial interview on Eastbourne 01323 727321 or Hailsham 01323 841481.
