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Family, marriage & divorce

Marriage & Registration

A marriage is only as secure as its paperwork. Registration is what lets you prove the marriage later, for a passport, a visa, a bank, a school admission, or a claim for dower or inheritance. We register marriages correctly the first time, across communities, and sort out registrations that were never done.

Muslim Marriages and Divorces (Registration) Act 1974Special Marriage Act 1872Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017
Kabin nama (Muslim marriage contract) with wedding rings and a pen, illustrating how to read it and get a certified copy in Bangladesh

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What this covers

How a marriage is formed and registered depends on the community. A Muslim marriage is registered by a Nikah Registrar and recorded in the kabinnama, and that registration is required by law. Hindu marriages can be registered under the 2012 Act. Christian marriages fall under the Christian Marriage Act 1872. Inter-faith and civil marriages use the Special Marriage Act 1872. We handle each, and we fix the common problem of a marriage that was celebrated but never properly registered.

Muslim marriage and the kabinnama

The kabinnama is the marriage contract and the proof of the marriage. It records the dower, whether it is prompt or deferred, and the conditions the parties agree, including a delegated right of divorce. Getting these entries right at the start prevents most later disputes. We advise on the terms and see that the registration is done properly.

Hindu, Christian and civil marriages

Hindu marriages can now be registered under the Hindu Marriage Registration Act 2012, which gives couples a record they can rely on. Christian marriages are solemnised and registered under the Christian Marriage Act 1872. Where the parties are of different faiths, or do not wish to marry under a religious law, the Special Marriage Act 1872 provides a civil route.

‘Court marriage’ and affidavits

There is no such thing as a ‘court marriage’ in Bangladesh law. An affidavit or a notary’s stamp does not create a marriage and does not replace registration. What protects you is a proper ceremony under your personal law and a registered record of it. If you were told an affidavit was enough, come and get it put right.

The legal age to marry is 18 for a woman and 21 for a man under the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017. Registering a marriage below these ages is unlawful. If you are being pressed toward an underage marriage, or asked to falsify an age, speak to us in confidence.

Documents you will need

  • National ID or birth certificate of both parties, as proof of age
  • Passport-size photographs
  • For a Muslim marriage, the details for the kabinnama, including dower
  • For a foreign national, passport and a single-status or no-impediment certificate
  • Details and identification of the witnesses

Where it is done, and how long it takes

A Muslim marriage is registered by the licensed Nikah Registrar for the area. Hindu and Christian registrations go through the registrars appointed under their respective Acts, and a Special Marriage is registered under that Act, which involves a notice period. A straightforward registration is quick. A late registration, a correction, or one involving a foreign national takes longer because of the extra documents and checks.

Supporting illustration for marriage registration
How registration works
1

Check eligibility and papers

We confirm age, status and the right law for your marriage, and set out exactly what each party must bring.

2

Prepare the record

We settle the kabinnama terms, or the relevant form, so the entries are correct and complete before anyone signs.

3

Register with the right official

The marriage is registered by the proper Registrar for your community and area, with witnesses present.

4

Collect certified copies

We obtain certified copies you can use for passports, visas, banks and any future claim.

A clean registration is usually quick; corrections take longer.Book a Consultation

Read the free guides first

Most of what clients ask at a first meeting is answered step by step in our free guides. Read the ones below first; book a consultation when you want the chamber to act.

Common questions

Is an affidavit a marriage?

No. An affidavit is a sworn statement, not a marriage, and it registers nothing. A valid marriage needs a proper ceremony under your personal law and registration. Be wary of anyone selling a ‘court marriage’.

We married years ago but never registered. Can we still do it?

Usually yes. A late registration is possible and well worth doing, because without a record you cannot easily prove the marriage for a passport, inheritance or a dower claim. We handle late registrations.

Can a Bangladeshi marry a foreign national here?

Yes, with the right documents, including the foreign party’s passport and a single-status certificate. The process takes a little longer, and we manage it from start to finish.

Can you check a kabinnama before the wedding?

Yes. We review the dower terms, the delegated right of divorce in column 18 and both parties’ details, so the document protects you before you sign.

What if the Kazi made a mistake in the kabinnama?

Errors in names, dates or the dower amount can be corrected through the Nikah Registrar with supporting documents, or by a court declaration if the other side disputes it. Fix it early, before you need the document for a passport or a case.

Speak with a lawyer about marriage or registration

A written assessment costs nothing and commits you to nothing.

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