Family

 Maintenance
 Divorce
 Irregular Union
 Adoption
 Others

1, Maintenance
Family maintenance encompasses various legal and practical aspects related to supporting family
members. It is an order of a law that requires one family member to provide financial assistance
to the other members of the family. Having different objectives at hand states have issued
different family maintenance laws. These Family maintenance laws serve a dual purpose: they
alleviate potential financial burdens on the state and uphold the integrity of family relationships.
These laws are enacted to ensure that individuals who are unable to sustain themselves due to
various vulnerabilities are not left destitute, thereby preventing them from becoming reliant on
state resources. Simultaneously, such laws reinforce familial ties by mandating support during
times of economic hardship, thereby fostering a sense of mutual reliance and emotional security
within the family unit.
This legal framework also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the welfare of children, ensuring
that their fundamental needs are met through enforced parental support. Collectively, these
measures reflect the state’s commitment to promoting fair treatment and the well-being of its
citizens, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
In line with various international legal systems, Ethiopian legal system also recognizes the
obligation of family members to support each other. This responsibility is detailed in the revised
federal family code, as well as in regional family codes throughout Ethiopia. Under these laws,
the scope of maintenance includes providing necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and
education. The law identifies the provider of maintenance as the ‘Debtor’ and the recipient as the
‘Creditor,’ establishing specific conditions that determine when the Creditor is entitled to
maintenance and when the Debtor is obligated to provide it. This duty of maintenance applies to
family members connected by marriage (affinal relationships) as well as blood relations
(consanguineal relationships).
In the context of maintenance, the legal landscape encompasses a diverse array of cases that
affect various individuals. These cases often involve issues such as the determination of
maintenance amounts, methods of payment, locations where payments should be effected,
prioritization of claimants in the event of multiple maintenance requests, and the establishment
of alternate payment solutions.
If you’re uncertain about your and your children’s entitlement to maintenance, rest assured that
our legal team is here to provide comprehensive support.
Our services include:
Guidance on Maintenance Obligations: We offer counsel regarding maintenance
responsibilities arising from marital and blood ties.
Court Representation: Whether you’re facing a maintenance claim or need to file one, we’ll
represent your interests in the legal arena.
Claim Negotiations: To prevent court proceedings, we’ll engage in negotiations with the
opposing party.
Additional Legal Assistance: Our team is equipped to handle a variety of other legal needs you
may have.

2, Divorce
Divorce signifies the formal end of a marriage and is a procedure that can be emotionally
challenging and legally intricate. It requires adherence to numerous legal steps and
considerations, with the aim of safeguarding the rights of both individuals involved and
achieving a fair resolution. In Ethiopia, it’s a common belief that marriage can be terminated
informally through an agreement witnessed by family elders or simply by separating (de facto
divorce). Yet, for a divorce to be recognized by law, it necessitates formal proceedings beyond
just an informal pact or a document prepared by family elders, mediators, or legal advisors.
According to Ethiopian family law it is courts, not any ordinary courts but those with a valid
jurisdiction, that could ultimately declare divorce. Moreover, because of the high-status
marriage have in the society, getting a divorce could be easy as it might seem.
In addition to the dissolution of marriage, divorce proceedings also entail significant
repercussions regarding the division of assets, liabilities, and child custody arrangements. The
Ethiopian Family Code offers a mechanism to mitigate disputes over asset distribution through
marriage or divorce agreements. Spouses are afforded the autonomy to dictate their financial
relations via marital contracts, which can be established prior to or during the marriage.
A prevalent issue faced by divorcing couples is the resolution of asset division. To address this,
Ethiopian law not only permits spouses to manage their financial matters through marriage
contracts but also provides guidelines for distinguishing between personal and joint assets. As
per the Ethiopian Revised Family Code, a spouse’s personal property encompasses assets owned
at the time of marriage or subsequently obtained via inheritance or individual gifts. Such
property retains its personal status in the event of a sale or exchange, provided it is
acknowledged by the court. Personal assets are exempt from division upon divorce. Furthermore,
Ethiopian law presumes that any property in possession of a spouse at the time of divorce,
regardless of whose name it is registered under, is considered joint property. Additionally, any
income generated from joint or personal assets, as well as from donations made to either spouse,
is deemed to be joint property.
In the course of divorce proceedings, it’s common to encounter legal disputes over assets such as
houses, vehicles, and land acquired before or during the marriage. These issues often lead to
court cases. Following this, in addition to the existing laws, the Ethiopian Supreme Court, which
has the authority to issue binding judicial decisions on all subordinate courts, has made various
rulings regarding the division of property. These rulings are authoritative and must be adhered to
by spouses involved in divorce proceedings.
If you find yourself navigating through a divorce, it’s crucial to address the complexities
surrounding property settlements, child custody, and family debts. Amidst the myriad of legal
considerations that arise, securing legal counsel and representation is an essential step you
shouldn’t overlook. The family law specialists within the Mankuta network are equipped to offer
comprehensive legal services tailored to these needs.
Lists of legal support we offer;-
 Advocacy and Legal Representation: In the realm of divorce, our attorneys acts as a
staunch defender of your legal rights and interests. They provide representation during
negotiations, legal hearings, and other procedural matters, ensuring that your perspectives
and concerns are adequately represented.
 Jurisdiction and applicable laws ascertainment; Under the Ethiopian legal framework,
each state possesses distinct family laws, and there is also a federal law. Therefore, it’s
crucial to determine the applicable law and the appropriate venue for filing a divorce
petition. Our nationwide network of legal experts will guide you in identifying the correct
court for submitting your divorce application.
 Legal drafting: draft marriage contracts and divorce agreements.
 Other related services.

3, Irregular union
Besides marriage relationships, those couples who are living as a married couples will receive
legal protection under the Ethiopian family laws being considered to have an irregular union. In
Ethiopia, a man and a woman cohabitating as a couple without formalizing their relationship
through marriage are engaged in what’s known as an irregular union. While not officially
recognized by law as a marriage, this arrangement nonetheless carries certain legal ramifications
akin to those of a legally married couple. Essentially, it’s a non-formalized domestic partnership
that is treated in some ways like a marriage in terms of legal outcomes.
Under the revised family code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, along with other
regional codes, the concept of an irregular union is established. This includes the criteria that
must be met, the evidence required to demonstrate such a union, and the legal implications it
carries. Thus, for couples who have cohabitated and committed themselves as if they were
married for nearly three years, the law acknowledges this as an irregular union and affords them
legal safeguards.
Lists of legal support we offer:
 Informed counsel on the nuances of an irregular union, detailing the involved parties’
legal rights and duties. We provide direction on legal procedures, whether the couple
intends to formalize their relationship or part ways.
 Verification of Irregular Union: To confirm an irregular union, evidence is key. We aid in
collecting and presenting such proof in a legal setting. As per Article 106 of the RFC, the
acknowledged status of the union is crucial for verification. Our legal experts can assist
in substantiating this status with appropriate proof.
 Asset and Economic Consultation: our team offer guidance on the division of assets and
economic considerations within an irregular union. Should the union persist for a
 minimum of three years, shared property is presumed and our experts can advise on the
entitlements and responsibilities concerning assets accumulated during the union.
 Dissolution and Legal Outcomes: We can facilitate the dissolution process for those
opting to terminate their irregular union. They clarify the legal ramifications of the union,
including any marital resemblances.
 Preparation of Legal Documents: our team draft agreements pertinent to the irregular
union, like separation agreements or asset distribution contracts. They ensure these
documents are in line with Ethiopian family law and safeguard the rights of all involved
parties.
 Legal Representation: In the event of disputes, our team act as representatives in legal
proceedings concerning the irregular union. They provide representation for matters such
as recognition, asset division, or conflict resolution in court.

4, Adoption
The enactment of laws governing adoption is essential to ensure the safety and welfare of
children, providing them with secure homes and safeguarding their future. These laws also offer
clarity and protection for both adoptive and birth parents by defining their rights and
responsibilities, while ensuring that all parties have access to unbiased information to make
informed decisions. Furthermore, legal regulation brings uniformity to the adoption process
across various jurisdictions, contributing to a stable and predictable legal environment that
upholds the integrity of the adoption system.
In Ethiopia, the adoption process is regulated by stringent legal standards and conditions set forth
by both federal and regional authorities. The primary legal frameworks is the Federal Revised
Family Code and regional family laws, which guide the adoption proceedings. The process
involves various parties, including the adoptive families, the adoptee, and the biological families
of the children. This diversity of stakeholders leads to a range of legal considerations, such as
eligibility criteria for adopters and adoptees, the nature of the relationships formed post-adoption,
the paramount interests that need safeguarding, formalities for the validity of adoption
agreements, and inheritance matters.
For an adoption to be legally recognized in Ethiopia, it must meet the following criteria:
 The adoption agreement must be sanctioned by a court of law.
 The adopter’s age must be at least 25 years old, with potential exceptions for married
couples.
 The adoptee’s age should be under 18 years, or the child may be one that is yet to be
born.
 The adoption contract is formed between the adopter and the child’s guardians.
 Once the adoption is validated, the adopted child is regarded as the offspring of the
adopter for all intents and purposes, including inheritance rights.
 Relationships with the adopter’s ascendants and collaterals are maintained unless there is
explicit opposition to the adoption.
The legal frameworks governing adoption in Ethiopia, including the Federal Revised Family
Code and Directive No. 48/2020, establish a comprehensive process that demands careful
attention to detail. This ensures that the rights and interests of everyone involved are honored.
The complexity of the adoption process encompasses a range of legal matters, such as the
qualifications for adopters and adoptees, the legal ramifications of the adoption for all parties,
and the necessity for formal procedures. As a result, whether you are part of the adopting family
or a relative, it’s crucial to be actively engaged and well-informed throughout the adoption
journey to understand its full legal impact.

Our legal team will help you with the following legal issues:-

Clarifying Legal Criteria: Our team elucidate the legal stipulations pertinent to adoption, such
as those in the Domestic Adoption Directive and the Family Code. We can assist in
comprehending the age limits for adoptive parents, necessary consents, and other vital legal
details.
Handling Legal Documentation: We can support in drafting and scrutinizing essential
paperwork for adoption, including agreements, consent forms, and applications. Making sure all
documents are correct and complete is vital for a successful adoption process.
Legal Advocacy in Court: We can act on your behalf in court to obtain adoption approval.
Moreover, we can articulate your case, respond to legal inquiries, and champion the child’s best
interests.
Resolving Legal Uncertainties: can resolve any unclear or complex legal issues that may arise
during the adoption. We can offer guidance on matters like inheritance rights, familial
connections, and obtaining consent.
Mediating Disputes: In case of conflicts during the adoption, our team legal professional can
intervene and negotiate for you. We can help settle any disagreements with biological parents,
relatives, or government entities, ensuring a just outcome.
Ensuring Timely Compliance: Adoption procedures are bound by specific timeframes. A legal
professional ensures adherence to these timelines to prevent any hold-ups or issues.

Others
Other legal issues involving family relationships and services to be offered includes: -
Proof Of Marriage: - Establishing proof of marriage is a critical legal process that involves
demonstrating the existence of a marital union. Under Ethiopian law, certain presumptions and
admissible evidence are established to confirm the marital relationship between two individuals.
The primary form of evidence required is the marriage certificate. In cases where this document
is unavailable, the law permits individuals to establish proof of marriage by demonstrating
cohabitation or presenting themselves publicly as a married couple. Therefore, a claimant must
provide either the marriage certificate or evidence possession of status.
Our legal team is equipped to offer a comprehensive suite of legal services, including advice on
marital law, preparation of necessary legal documents, and representation in court to establish
the existence of a marriage.
Proof and challenging filiation(the fact of being the child of a particular parent):
Proof of filiation, which establishes the legal parent-child relationship, is a common legal matter.
Filiation includes both parental and maternal filiation. Individuals entitled to file a filiation claim
include the child against the presumed parents or the parents against the alleged child. Thus, a
person may initiate legal proceedings against an individual claiming them as their parent.
Ethiopian law prescribes specific requirements such as the timing of the claim, the appropriate
court for filing, and the eligible parties to initiate the claim.
Additionally, Ethiopian law outlines procedures for challenging filiation by the mother and
Disowning by the father. Any party with a vested interest is permitted to dispute a person’s
maternal filiation, either against the individual in question or their descendants. Furthermore,
paternity disowning is permissible, allowing an individual presumed to be a child’s father to
legally refute this claim. Such a challenge can be directed against the child or, if deceased,
against their heirs.
Our legal team offers the following comprehensive legal support
Proof of Filiation:
 Assist in compiling evidence to legally confirm the relationship between a parent and a
child.
 Facilitate the procurement and submission of vital documents like birth certificates, the
primary proof of filiation.
Contesting Filiation:
 Support parties interested in questioning recognized filiation.
 They guide through the legal channels to dispute both maternal and paternal filiation.
Paternity Disowning:
 Act on behalf of those seeking to renounce paternity.
Legal Advocacy and Court Representation:
 Represent clients in legal proceedings, arguing to affirm or challenge filiation.
 Ensure adherence to legal standards and defend the interests of all involved parties.

Others legal support include on legal scenarios involving