The following passages are extracted from Antu and Majid's marriage certificate. We married in the Maldives in 1985. I believe the format of the marriage certificate has not changed since. This is a translation of the original Divehi text. If requested, the authorities issue a rather less colourful English original. I prefer the Divehi version in translation.

To the Attention of the Matrimonial Couple

1. In the event of divorce, this certificate will be required in order to issue the Certificate of Divorce. A fine of Rf 5/- (five rufiyas) will be levied before a replacement for this certificate will be issued.
   
   
2. This certificate must remain with the husband. In the event of a divorce, the man must deliver this certificate within 15 days to the authority that issued the decree absolute. If the certificate were to be brought from or reissued in an island other than that in which the decree absolute is issued, the certificate must be brought from or reissued within 1 month, through the intermediary of the authority that issued the decree absolute.
   
   
Should these be contravened, the man will be fined an amount between Rf 10/- and Rf 30/-.


2. In the event of divorce, the man and the woman must report the matter within 3 days, to Court Number 1 of the Ministry of Justice in Malé, or outside of Malé to such other place appointed by the government.
   
   
3. The Certificate of Divorce must be uplifted within 7 days of registration of divorce.
   
   
4. In the event of the death of the husband or the wife, the matter must be reported to and have it recorded by Court Number 1 of the Ministry of Justice in Malé, or outside of Malé to such other place appointed by the government.
   
   
5. In the event of the death of the husband, at the completion of the Period of Waiting as prescribed in Ecclesiastical Law, the widow must report the matter and have it duly recorded. The Period of Waiting as prescribed in Ecclesiastical Law for the widow who is not pregnant with child is four months and ten days; such Period for the widow who is pregnant is until she has delivered.

 

Directives to the Matrimonial Couple

1. The wife shall at all times be obedient to the husband other than in matters that are forbidden by God.
   
   
2. As long as the wife remains obedient to the husband, he shall provide a house for her to stay and expenses for her to obtain food and drink, and means of bathing, cleansing after defecation, and clothing.
   
   
3. The husband or the wife shall not abuse each other physically or verbally.
   
   
4. Even if the husband becomes physically abusive, the wife shall not retaliate or be disobedient to him. In such event she shall seek reconciliation through the judicial system.
   
   
5. In the event the wife becomes disobedient, the husband shall not cease paying expenses to her without establishing proof of such disobedience in Court. Should he cease paying her expenses without establishing such proof in Court, he shall be required to pay all expenses foregone, if the wife petitions the Court.
   
   
6. In the event of divorce, unless both parties have mutually pre-agreed regarding expenses or other dues, the wife may claim all she is due in full up to the date of divorce.

 

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