The Moroccan justice system plays a central role in interpreting and applying laws, particularly regarding the Moudawana, Morocco’s family code.

With upcoming reforms scheduled for 2025, the Moudawana is set to undergo significant changes that reflect the country’s evolving social, economic, and cultural landscape. These reforms aim to modernize the code further, aligning it with international standards and addressing the expectations of civil society.

Key updates include strengthened rights for women, such as the abolition of marital guardianship for adult women, greater equality in inheritance rights, and the recognition of domestic work as an economic contribution in divorce proceedings. Enhanced protections for children are also central, focusing on their best interests in custody cases, simplified paternity recognition procedures, and stricter penalties for underage marriages.

Judicial procedures will be modernized through digitization, specialized family courts, and an emphasis on mediation to make justice more accessible and efficient. The reforms also adapt to contemporary social realities by recognizing civil unions, protecting the rights of mixed couples, and addressing new forms of parenthood like shared custody.

King Mohamed VI has expressed strong support for these changes, emphasizing equality, human dignity, and social justice while respecting Islamic principles. The updated Moudawana reinforces Morocco’s position as a leader in family law modernization within the Arab world and highlights the importance of legal counsel to help individuals navigate these new provisions effectively.