The Default Regime of Joint Property (Birgə Mülkiyyət)
Under Article 32 of the Family Code of Azerbaijan, all property acquired by spouses during the marriage automatically constitutes joint community property (*Birgə mülkiyyət*). This includes wages, pension payments, business revenues, movable assets (cars, jewelry), and real estate acquired from the date of ASAN registration until the dissolution of marriage.
Even if one spouse was the sole income earner while the other managed household duties and raised children, both hold equal 50% legal title. Under Article 34, property owned prior to marriage, along with inheritances and personal gifts, remains individual personal property (*Fərdi əmlak*).
Prenuptial Agreements (Nikah Müqaviləsi) in Azerbaijani Law
Under Articles 38 to 42 of the Family Code, prospective or current spouses can alter the default community property regime by executing a *Nikah müqaviləsi* (Marriage Contract). The agreement must be executed in written form and certified by an official Notary (*Notarius*).
The contract allows couples to: - Establish a regime of separate property (*Ayrı mülkiyyət*), where each spouse retains sole title to what they earn; - Specify which assets transfer to which spouse upon divorce; - Define mutual financial maintenance obligations during marriage and following separation.
However, under Article 39, the law explicitly voids any clause that restricts personal civil rights, limits parental rights over children, or places one spouse in an "extremely unfavorable financial condition."
Divorce Procedures and Child Support (Aliment) Enforcement
If a couple mutually agrees to divorce and has no minor children, the divorce can be executed swiftly within 30 days at **ASAN Xidmət** without court litigation.
If the couple has minor children or disputed property, the case must be heard by the District Court (*Rayon Məhkəməsi*). The court strictly enforces *Aliment* (child support) under Article 76: - **One Child:** 25% (1/4) of the parent’s monthly earnings; - **Two Children:** 33% (1/3) of monthly earnings; - **Three or More Children:** 50% (1/2) of monthly earnings.
If the defaulting parent fails to pay, court bailiffs freeze bank accounts, place border travel bans (*Ölkədən getmək hüququnun müvəqqəti məhdudlaşdırılması*), and can initiate administrative detention up to 30 days.