Magna Carta Law Firm offers comprehensive and practical legal advice in all areas of Family Law in Thailand. Our team has extensive experience assisting both Thai and foreign clients with a wide range of matters relating to family relationships, marriage, divorce, custody, adoption and marital property. We also recognize that family matters can be highly personal and sensitive, particularly where children or significant assets are involved. Therefore, our aim is to provide you with clear, structured legal support to help you reach informed decisions and protect your best interests throughout every stage of the legal process.
Marriage in Thailand is governed by Thai civil law, and for a marriage to be legally recognised, it must be formally registered at a local district office. This applies whether both parties are foreigners or one party is a Thai national. While the process is relatively straightforward, it requires specific documentation, including proof of single status and certified translations of embassy issued affidavits for foreign nationals. Once the documents have been prepared and endorsed by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, couples can proceed with the legal registration of their marriage.
Our Pattaya based law firm assists clients throughout this process to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and to help avoid common administrative delays or complications. We also advise clients on their rights and obligations under Thai law once the marriage is registered.
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract made between two parties prior to marriage which outlines the ownership and management of assets and liabilities during the marriage. Under Thai law, a prenuptial agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties before the marriage is registered. It must also be registered at the same district office on the same time of the marriage registration for it to be considered valid and enforceable.
Our family lawyers can draft and review prenuptial agreements to ensure that they are compliant with Thai law and reflect your wishes accurately.
Divorce in Thailand can take the form of a mutual agreement registered at the district office (administrative divorce) or a court proceeding (contested divorce). An administrative divorce is only available where both parties agree to the divorce and any matters relating to property, custody or support. Where no agreement can be reached, a court action must be filed on one or more of the legal grounds for divorce recognised under Thai law.
Our expert divorce lawyers provide assistance with both uncontested and contested divorces, including negotiation of settlement agreements, property division, child custody, alimony and spousal support.
Custody matters are often one of the most difficult and emotionally challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. Under Thai law, both parents may share custody if an agreement is reached. However, in the absence of an agreement, the court will decide based on the best interests of the child.
For children born out of wedlock, the mother is granted sole parental rights unless the father completes a legal process of legitimation. This must be done through a formal application to the district office or the court. We provide legal advice on all aspects of child custody and parental rights, and where necessary, we represent clients in court to secure a fair and workable arrangement for their children.
In cases where a child is born outside of a registered marriage, the biological father must go through the legal process of legitimation in order to obtain parental rights. This process involves either an application to the local district office, with the consent of the mother and child or a petition to the court.
Legitimation may be necessary for the father to obtain legal custody, register the child under his surname or make decisions relating to the child’s welfare and education. Our family lawyers provide assistance with the full legitimation process, including the preparation and submission of relevant documentation, and representation in court where required.
Thailand allows both Thai citizens and foreigners to legally adopt a child under specific conditions. The process can be complex, particularly for foreign applicants and involves strict eligibility criteria, home studies, background checks, and approval from the Child Adoption Center under the Department of Children and Youth (DCY).
We provide supportive services, assisting clients with essential tasks, document translation and accommodate with relevant authorities. While the adoption process in Thailand is largely managed by the adopter and adoptee, our firm helps streamline the experience by facilitating communication and ensuring logistical needs are met with professionalism and care.
Thailand has recently made significant legislative progress by legalizing same-sex marriage. This allows same-sex couples to legally register their marriage at the local district office, with the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.
Our firm is proud to support clients from the LGBTQ+ community and offers legal assistance with marriage registration, prenuptial agreements, asset protection, and family planning under the new legal framework.
Magna Carta Law Firm combines deep knowledge of Thai family law with a practical, solution focused approach. We understand the legal and emotional complexities that often accompany family matters, and we are committed to helping our clients navigate these issues with clarity and confidence.
Whether you are getting married, seeking a divorce or planning to adopt a child in Pattaya or elsewhere in Thailand, we can provide the legal support you need at every step. Our multilingual team offers assistance in English and Thai, and we take pride in delivering timely, cost effective services that put your interests first.
If you would like to speak to one of our family lawyers about your situation, please get in touch to arrange a confidential consultation. We are always here to answer your questions, explain your options and help you take the next steps with clarity and assurance.
