A Comparative Legal Analysis of Divorce Systems in Iran and the United States: Legal Foundations, Judicial Practices, and Implementation Challenges
Subject Areas : Journal of Law and Politics
Mahdi Rezaee
1
,
ربیعا اسکینی
2
*
1 -
2 - استاد پژوهشگاه علوم و فنون هسته ای، تهران، ایران
Keywords: Divorce Law, Family Law, Alimony, Property Division, Mehr.,
Abstract :
Divorce, as one of the most significant institutions in family law, varies across legal systems in terms of its foundations, procedures, and legal consequences. This article provides a comparative legal analysis of divorce systems in Iran and the United States, examining their differences and similarities from the perspectives of legal principles, judicial procedures, and enforcement challenges.
In Iran, divorce is primarily governed by Islamic jurisprudence and the Civil Code, granting the right to divorce predominantly to the husband, while the wife may seek divorce under specific legal conditions. In contrast, the United States follows a secular legal framework, allowing for both No-Fault Divorce and Fault-Based Divorce, where judicial intervention and the autonomy of the parties significantly differ from the Iranian system. This study also explores the role of courts in adjudicating divorce cases, financial matters such as alimony, division of property, and dower (Mehr), as well as child custody and support rights.
Finally, the article analyzes the challenges associated with the enforcement of divorce rulings in both legal systems and offers recommendations for legal reforms aimed at ensuring fairness and protecting the rights of both parties. By adopting a comparative approach, this study provides a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each legal system concerning divorce and contributes to potential legislative improvements in this area.
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