Muslim marriages in Bangladesh are registered under the Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act. Registration of marriage is mandatory and provides legal proof. Divorce (talaq) requires a written notice to the Chairman of the local Union Parishad or City Corporation, with a copy to the spouse. After the notice, there is a reconciliation period of ninety days before the divorce becomes effective. Maintenance and dower (mohorana) rights of the wife are protected by law. For Hindu, Christian, and other communities, separate personal laws apply. Disputes over maintenance, custody of children, and dower can be resolved through the Family Courts established under the Family Courts Act.