🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife · #26

I am a divorcee with children, about to become a second wife. Who bears my children's maintenance (nafkah)?

Your children's maintenance remains the duty of their biological father, not your new husband. A mother's remarriage does not cancel the former husband's responsibility for the children's maintenance. The new husband is not obliged to support his stepchildren, but if he willingly helps, that is charity and a great kindness. Discuss this clearly before the contract: who bears the school fees, housing and daily expenses. Custody (hadhanah) of the children may also be affected when the mother remarries — get advice from a Syarie lawyer. See child maintenance and maintenance (nafkah).

Sources

Surah al-Baqarah 2:233Surah at-Talaq 65:7

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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