Family Law (Hoghough-e Khanevadeh)
Core concepts
Family law governs marriage (nikāh), its conditions and impediments, dowry (mahr), maintenance (nafaqa), divorce (talāq) and its varieties, khul' and mubārat, custody (hezānat), and inheritance. Know the rules on consent, the guardian's permission for a minor, the categories of prohibited marriage (mahārem), and the financial consequences of divorce, including mahr, nafaqa during the waiting period ('idda), and the fair compensation (nahlah) where applicable.
Traps
Questions probe the difference between a void (bātil) and a voidable (fāsed) marriage, and the effect of each on mahr and 'idda. Remember that custody is a right of the child and the parent, not property, and is subject to the child's best interests. Distinguish talāq-e rej'ī from bā'in, because only the former permits return without a new contract. Also test the rule that a wife's disobedience (noshūz) can suspend maintenance.
Rule of thumb
Separate the validity of the marriage from its financial consequences. Worked example: a marriage is contracted without the guardian's permission; if the contract is voidable, mahr may still be owed after consummation and 'idda applies, but inheritance rights depend on whether the marriage was validly concluded.