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Browse our 2 legal questions about Family in Sri Lanka and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Family law in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, is the legal field that oversees matters related to family relationships such as marriage, divorce, child custody, alimony, adoption, and domestic violence. As in many jurisdictions, the court systems are complex and the help of a lawyer can significantly help in navigating through legal proceedings. It is governed by both Sri Lankan statutes and customary law, depending on the community you belong to, such as the Buddhist, Muslim or Christian communities.
A lawyer specializing in family law can provide assistance in several common circumstances. These situations may include filing for divorce, settling custody disputes, managing adoption proceedings, or dealing with domestic violence charges. They can also offer legal advice and representation in cases of spousal and child support, marital property division and in drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
In Sri Lanka, the Constitution provides equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of gender. However, different communities follow different customary laws in family matters. The Kandyan Law applies to the Sinhalese community residing in Kandyan provinces, the Thesavalamai Law applies to Tamils from the Jaffna Peninsula, and the Muslim Law applies to all Muslims in the country. The rest of the population follows the Roman Dutch Law. It is vital to know these laws as they cover aspects such as marrying age, alimony, adoption, and divorce procedures in-depth.
The general legal marrying age in Sri Lanka is 18 years for both sexes. However, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act allows girls who have reached puberty to get married, which has been a contentious issue.
Yes, you can get a divorce in Sri Lanka. However, the process and grounds vary depending on which customary law applies to you. A family lawyer can better guide you through this process.
Child custody is determined by the courts based on the child's best interest. Factors considered include parental capacity, the child’s wishes (if they are old enough), and the child’s welfare and safety.
The entitlement to alimony is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a judge will make their determination based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial status of both parties, and the needs of the recipient spouse.
Yes, domestic violence is a crime under the Domestic Violence Act of Sri Lanka. Legal help can assist a victim in securing protections and legal remedies.
The Ministry of Justice and Supreme court of Sri Lanka's official websites offer a wealth of information on family law. Organizations such as the Women In Need 'WIN' is a local organization which offers support for victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Sri Lanka Legal Aid Commission (SLAC) provides free legal services for those who can't afford a lawyer.
If you're seeking legal advice regarding family matters in Nugegoda, consider finding a lawyer specializing in family law. Consultations can help you understand your position and the potential legal steps that can be taken. It might also be beneficial to familiarize yourself further with your community’s customary laws if they apply to you. Finally, if your current situation involves an immediate threat or danger, contact law enforcement agencies or a local domestic violence hotline.
