In Some Nations, Men and Women Don’t Have Equal Divorce Rights

In Some Nations, Men and Women Don’t Have Equal Divorce Rights

People come from around the world take advantage of what the New York metropolitan area has to offer. Newcomers add to the richness of life in Long Island and elsewhere by bringing their culture and traditions. However, immigrants might not understand that in the United States, laws apply equally to everyone regardless of faith or cultural background. This can be in stark contrast to divorce proceedings in many other countries where women do not have the same rights as men.

Distinctions between the sexes in other countries affect many aspects of marriage dissolution, including:

  • Grounds for divorce — Various standards exist for the legal right to terminate a marriage. Other countries have vastly different rules for men and women seeking divorce. In Egypt, where no-fault divorce is now legal, women must sacrifice their financial and property rights to petition for marriage dissolution, while men are not even obligated to go to court, needing only to submit the required documents.
  • Procedural differences — Some nations with significant Muslim populations have allowed husbands to divorce their wives by what is known as “triple talaq” — simply stating “I divorce you” three times. This practice has been outlawed in many countries and legislation in India now proposes to ban it there as well. By contrast, New York and many other states follow a legal process whereby husbands and wives are equally capable of seeking dissolution of their marriage.
  • Child custody favoritism — Male guardianship of children has been the norm in many countries where the law is heavily influenced by religious beliefs. Frequently in Middle Eastern and African nations, a divorced mother has custody only until her son or daughter reaches a certain age. In the United States, courts for decades favored mothers in child custody matters, but now New York law has no preference for either parent. Custody decisions are based on what is in the child’s best interests.

If you are not familiar with divorce and custody standards in the United States, don’t be afraid to get the information you need to protect yourself and your children. An experienced lawyer can help you understand and enforce the rights you have under New York law.

At Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C., our divorce attorneys assist clients who have come from all over the world. Please call 1.631.479.3839 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our office in Melville.

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