Blogs > The Law Blogger

The Law Blogger is a law-related blog that informs and discusses current matters of legal interest to readers of The Oakland Press and to consumers of legal services in the community. We hope readers will  find it entertaining but also informative. The Law Blogger does not, however, impart legal advice, as only attorneys are licensed to provide legal counsel.
For more information email: tflynn@clarkstonlegal.com

Monday, March 12, 2012

Shariah Law and Divorce

In an unpublished decision released toward the end of last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals found fault with the Wayne County Family Court in a divorce case that touched on the application of Shariah law.

Specifically, the Hammoud case involved the imposition of spousal support in a realaitively short-term marriage. The Court of Appeals was troubled that the family court conditioned the duration of the "open ended" support on wife obtaining an "Islamic divorce" decree, noting:
As structured by the trial court, plaintiff has no incentive to become self-sufficient or to vigorously pursue an Islamic divorce as she is assured an ongoing income ad infinitum.  The trial court also failed to address or seek further clarification of plaintiff’s contention that she was in possession of a document that would permit others to assist or assure her the attainment of an Islamic divorce without defendant’s consent.  Plaintiff indicated that an agreement existed that would permit her brother and brother-in-law to authorize the Islamic divorce, potentially rendering it within plaintiff’s control to prolong her receipt of spousal support.

The implication, as held by the Court of Appeals, was that the family court pressured the husband into agreeing to an Islamic divorce when, under the establishment clause, it had no power to do so.

The Court of Appeals was not impressed with the lower court, the litigants, or their attorneys.  The case also featured an [untranslated] Arabic language prenuptial agreement proffered by husband to support his position that his wife agreed to forgo any spousal support.

The Hammoud case received national attention with a reference in Law Professor Eugene Volokh's law blog; the Volokh Conspiracy.

We here at the Law Blogger agree that family court is not the place for the implication or enforcement of religious laws; that is for the house of worship and is a private matter between the litigants.


www.clarkstonlegal.com

info@clarkstonlegal.com

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments:

Anonymous overland park personal injury lawyer ks said...

Leaving an Abusive Relationship: How to Protect Yourself If you are in a violent relationship, your first priority is very simple: Get yourself and your kids to safety. This article is a general overview of divorce laws around the world. Thanks for sharing it!

April 1, 2012 at 7:21 PM 
Blogger bordernest said...

Acquiring a divorce is a critical matter. Imagine separating away with someone whom you have recognized and dearly loved for a very lengthy time.

divorce lawyers fort lauderdale

April 2, 2012 at 9:22 AM 
Anonymous Kenny Bails said...

These events are often uncertain and uncomfortable it is useful to have a second party who can argue in your favor and who is also well versed in the surrounding laws. Johnson County defense attorney are also dealt with through family court.

July 12, 2012 at 8:40 PM 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home