KEY POINTS
- The Revised Family Code No. 213/2000 governs the conclusion, effects and dissolution of marriage and matters such as filiation and guardianship.
- Its preamble describes it as a law for the administrations directly accountable to the Federal Government, such as Addis Ababa; regions have their own family codes.
- Proclamation No. 1070/2018 amended the Revised Family Code to harmonise it with the National Children’s Policy.
Which family law applies
Family law in Ethiopia depends on where a matter arises. The Revised Family Code (Proclamation No. 213/2000) was enacted by the House of Peoples’ Representatives to apply in the administrations directly accountable to the Federal Government. Addis Ababa’s administration is responsible to the Federal Government under Article 49(3) of the Constitution. Regional states have enacted their own family codes, so a matter arising in a region should be checked against that region’s law.
What the Revised Family Code covers
The Code governs the conclusion, effects and dissolution of marriage, irregular unions, filiation, adoption, and the guardianship and tutorship of minors. Its preamble emphasises the well-being, upbringing and protection of children, and the 2018 amendment (Proclamation No. 1070/2018) was made to harmonise it with the National Children’s Policy.
Constitutional rights and registration
Article 34 of the Constitution protects marital, personal and family rights, and Articles 35 and 36 protect the rights of women and children. Births, marriages, divorces and other vital events are registered under the Civil and Family Registration Proclamation No. 1370/2025. Inheritance (succession) is governed by the Civil Code.
Frequently asked questions
Which family law applies in Addis Ababa?
The federal Revised Family Code (Proclamation No. 213/2000), as amended. It was enacted for the administrations directly accountable to the Federal Government, which include Addis Ababa.
Do Ethiopian regions have their own family laws?
Yes. Regional states have enacted their own family codes, so check the law of the region where the matter arises.
Which law governs inheritance in Ethiopia?
Succession is governed by the Civil Code (Proclamation No. 165/1960).
This page is general legal information about Ethiopian law, prepared from the published texts it cites. It is not legal advice and does not confirm whether a provision is still in force or has been amended. Federal laws are published in the Federal Negarit Gazeta in Amharic and English, and the Amharic version prevails where they differ. Consult a qualified Ethiopian lawyer about your situation.