Child Custody in Egypt – Legal Guidance for Foreign Clients
Secure Your Child’s Future — Custody Guidance Under Egyptian Law :-
Secure Your Child’s Future — Custody Guidance Under Egyptian Law
Navigating child custody matters in Egypt can be overwhelming, especially for foreign parents or Egyptians residing abroad. At Anglo-Nile Law Firm, we offer trusted, bilingual legal services to help parents understand and assert their rights in Egypt’s Sharia-based family court system. Whether you are a non-Egyptian mother seeking custody after a divorce from an Egyptian national, or an Egyptian parent living in the UK or EU dealing with a cross-border custody dispute, we are here to support you with clarity, compassion, and legal precision.
At Anglo-Nile
, we are committed to protecting your parental rights while ensuring that every step you take aligns with the legal and cultural frameworks of Egypt. Whether you are initiating a custody claim, responding to one, or enforcing a foreign custody judgment in Egypt, we stand by you every step of the way.
Understanding Child Custody Under Egyptian Law :-
What Is Custody (الحضانة) in Egypt?
Child custody in Egypt is governed primarily by Islamic law (Sharia) and relevant articles of the Egyptian Child Law (Law No. 12 of 1996) and the Egyptian Civil Code.
Custody is the right to care for and raise a child (not guardianship).
The best interest of the child (مصلحة الطفل الفضلى) is the core principle.
Mothers are generally given priority for custody up to a certain age:
15 years for boys and girls (Article 20 of Personal Status Law).
After that, the child may choose to remain with the custodian or transfer to the guardian (usually the father).
Custody Eligibility & Order of Priority According to Egyptian Law, the order of custody is:-
Mother
Maternal grandmother
Paternal grandmother
Sisters
Aunts (maternal then paternal)
The father is typically the legal guardian (ولي الأمر), not the custodian.
Custody for Foreign Mothers or Parents Abroad :-
We specialize in representing:
Foreign mothers divorced from Egyptian nationals.
Egyptians living abroad who seek custody or enforce custody judgments.
Parents facing international custody complications (abduction, visitation issues, etc.).
Important Notes for Foreign Clients:
Egyptian courts prioritize the child’s welfare under local customs and Islamic principles.
Foreign judgments (from UK, EU, etc.) may not be automatically recognized in Egypt unless formally enforced via exequatur procedures.
You may need expert representation to file a custody claim or defend against one.
Our Legal Services for Foreign Marriages
At Anglo-Nile LEGAL SERVICES, we offer full legal support for foreign nationals wishing to marry in Egypt.
As an Egyptian lawyer offering legal services in the UK under SRA guidance, I provide:
- Legal advice in both Arabic and English
- Full representation before Egyptian family courts
- Drafting and filing of custody, visitation, and travel permission claims
- Enforcement of foreign custody orders in Egypt
- Support with mediation and cross-border family
- Free 15-minute consultation to explain the process clearly
Tell Us A Few Words About Your Case
- Contact Details
Address : Mid Devon – Tiverton – 11 Swan Avenue .
Number : 00447376790365
Email : saadmoussa@eglawyer.co.uk
- Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Saturday: 10.00 AM – 2.00 PM
Sunday: Closed
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