RIYADH — Saudi Arabia will have its first personal affairs law in three months, according to informed legal sources. They said the law is being codified after a thorough study. The sources said the law is being prepared by the Justice Ministry in cooperation with other concerned bodies including representatives from the Human Rights Commission, the Family Safety Program and others. Nasser Bin Dawood, Shoura Council member, said the new law will be forwarded to the Supreme Authority within three months for final approval. He said the law will deal with all personal affairs issues such as documenting marriages and divorces as well as khula (wives divorcing husbands against relinquishing dowry and other rights), rescinding marriage contracts, returning wife after divorce, child custody, alimony and visitation right. Dawood said the new personal affairs law will document wakf (endowment), deaths, wills and heritage. In 2007 and 2009 the late King Abdullah ordered that these laws be codifies.
