Inheritance and Family Law in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has one of the most distinct and religiously-oriented legal systems in the world.

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Its family and inheritance law is predominantly based on Islamic law (Sharia), particularly the Hanbali school of jurisprudence, with a recent increase in the role of codified legislation and judicial practice.

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In 2022, as part of the Vision 2030 program, the authorities introduced a series of reforms aimed at organizing the legal framework, including the enactment of the Personal Status Law (hereinafter the “Law”), which marked a significant step toward standardization and increased predictability in family matters.

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The reform process continued with the issuance of the Implementing Regulations on 21February 2025, intended to detail and ensure the effective enforcement of the Law’s provisions.

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Please find more about inheritance and family law in Saudi Arabia in the attached alert below.

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