An official from Iran's judiciary announced that since the implementation of the 'Executive By-law of the Family Support Law' in February 2015, it is no longer possible to register a 'mutual divorce' without visiting family counseling centers. According to Tasnim News Agency, Parnian Ghavam, head of the Welfare and Counseling Services Department of the Cultural Deputy of the Judiciary, explained on Saturday, July 9, that applicants for 'mutual divorce' must attend several counseling sessions, and 'if individuals have personality and behavioral disorders, counselors will hold more sessions and then inform the judge whether there is hope for reconciliation or not.' She also stated that under this by-law, family counseling centers will be established in all judicial units in collaboration with the Judiciary's Counseling Center. According to Ms. Ghavam, new family counselors will be stationed in family courts after passing an exam in 2016. She emphasized that 'previously, counselors from welfare and psychology systems were present near family courts or in family court complexes for counseling, but after the exam we have planned for counselor recruitment, individuals can no longer provide counseling in courts in this manner.' Sadegh Amoli Larijani, the head of Iran's judiciary, issued the 'Executive By-law of the Family Support Law' at the end of February 2015. According to Article 8 of this by-law, the court must refer the request for 'mutual divorce' to the family counseling center, which must then provide 'a report of the actions taken and detailed discussions, including their statements, strengths and weaknesses, and the center's opinions regarding the subject to the court so that the court can review and make a decision in accordance with the law.' Previously, some officials of the Islamic Republic had warned about the increase in 'mutual divorces' in Iran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, on July 28, asked judges to 'reduce such issues' referring to what he called 'some problems in family courts, including mutual divorce.' The newspaper Shargh reported in 2011 that '500 couples are getting mutual divorces every day.'
Increased Difficulty in Registering 'Mutual Divorce' in Iran
Iran's judiciary has made it more difficult to register mutual divorces by requiring multiple counseling sessions, especially for those with personality disorders. This change aims to address the rising trend of mutual divorces, which has drawn concern from officials, including Ayatollah Khamenei. The new regulations reflect ongoing efforts to manage family dynamics and social issues in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran's judiciary has implemented new regulations requiring couples seeking mutual divorce to attend multiple counseling sessions. This change aims to address the rising trend of mutual divorces, which has raised concerns among officials.
- Applicants for mutual divorce must now visit family counseling centers before proceeding with their divorce.
- The requirement for counseling sessions is particularly emphasized for individuals with personality and behavioral disorders.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
In Iran, divorce rates have been increasing, prompting government intervention to promote family stability through counseling and legal requirements. The Family Support Law aims to address these social issues.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%