Maintenance arrears: how many years can be claimed?

Attorney Mohammad Jasem Al-Randi Family law

In a marriage under the Sunni rules a wife may claim frozen or overdue maintenance for the two preceding years. Under the Ja'fari rules there is no fixed limit.

In a marriage governed by the Sunni rules, a wife may claim frozen or overdue maintenance for the two preceding years. Under the Ja’fari rules there is no fixed period.

Why the difference

Kuwait’s Personal Status Law applies each school’s rules to its followers in family matters, including the period for which maintenance can be claimed.

What to do

  • Keep proof that you covered expenses from your own money or your family’s during the period claimed.
  • Do not put off the claim. Under the Sunni rules, anything older than two years is lost.
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