【Statute Title】 Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China [Effective] 【法规标题】中华人民共和国婚姻法（２００１修正） [现行有效] Promulgation date: 04-28-2001 Effective date: 01-01-1981 Department: Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Subject: Marriage, Family Support, Adoption, and Inheritance Marriage Law of the People’s Republic of China (Adopted at the Third Session of the Fifth National People’s Congress on September 10, 1980, and amended according to the Decision on Amending the Marriage Law of the People’s Republic of China made at the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National People’s Congress on April 28, 2001. Contents Chapter One General Principles Chapter Two Marriage Chapter Three Family Relations Chapter Four Divorce Chapter Five Remedies and Legal Liabilities Chapter Six Supplementary Provisions Chapter One Article 1 This Law lays the basic principles for marriage and family relations. Article 2 A marriage system based on freedom, monogamy and equality between man and woman shall be implemented. The lawful rights and interests of women, children and old people shall be protected. Birth control shall be practiced. Article 3 Marriage arranged by any third party, mercenary marriage and any interference in the freedom of marriage shall be prohibited. Any exaction of money or property by means of marriage shall be prohibited. Bigamy shall be prohibited. No one who has a spouse may cohabit with any other person. Family violence shall be prohibited. Maltreatment or desertion of any family member shall be prohibited. Article 4 Husband and wife shall be truthful to and respect each other. Family members shall respect the old, take good care of the underage,...
