Post Divorce Islamic Obligations

Once an islamic divorce takes place, here are the key obligations of both parties:
 
Husband:

• Pay the mahr if it was outstanding.
• Give the wife expenses (spousal support) for iddah (3 months) – this includes basic necessities of life such as food, shelter and medicine.
• Encouraged to continue spousal support for at least one year after the iddah but not mandatory.
• Return any belongings that are exclusively the ownership of the wife.
• Any belongings that were considered shared should be split.
• Support any children that were the result of the marriage. Financial support of children, in Islam, is upon the father.
• Despite the divorce, respect one another and show kindness as you move on with life.

 
Wife:

• Observe iddah, the waiting period of [3 complete menses]. During the iddah do not accept proposals or marry, do not unnecessarily leave the residence, and do not over adorn yourself.
• Return any belongings that are exclusively the ownership of the husband.
• Any belongings that were considered shared should be split.
• Take care of the children that were the result of the marriage. Caring for young children is primarily the responsibility of the mother. 
• Despite the divorce, respect one another and show kindness as you move on with life.

 
Note: The above are islamic obligations which will impact one’s relationship with the Almighty and the next life. In Canada, legal obligations vary from islamic responsibilities. For information on the legal topics, kindly consult a lawyer.