Cabinet approves new Family Court Law eases custody procedures
. . . enforces visitation rights with fines for obstructing child visitation
The Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law issuing the new Family Court Law and submitted it to Deputy Amir Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The legislation aims to simplify litigation in family disputes, speed up settlements and strengthen enforcement of court rulings, with particular emphasis on protecting the best interests of children.
Approved during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the draft law allows the custodial parent to obtain, renew and receive a child’s official documents, including the Civil ID and passport, and register or transfer the child between schools in Kuwait without requiring a separate court order.
A key provision introduces coercive fines against either parent who refuses to comply with court-ordered visitation or overnight stays. The execution judge may impose the fine at the request of the affected party in cases of unjustified or repeated non-compliance.
The obligation applies to both parents, including situations where the custodial parent prevents visitation or the other parent fails to return the child after an agreed visit.
Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said children suffer most when disputes between parents escalate, stressing that their interests must remain the basis of every decision.
He said the legislation seeks to protect the rights of both parents while preventing family disagreements from disrupting children’s education, documentation and relationship with either parent.
The draft law also allows agreements reached between parents through the Family Disputes Settlement Center to be legally enforced without either party having to file a separate court case, once the agreement is signed by the centre’s head and given an enforcement order.
The law also aims to improve child visitation centres by providing better facilities and trained specialists to support families. If a child repeatedly refuses to meet one of the parents, specialists will assess the reasons and recommend the best way to address the situation while protecting the child’s interests.
