Peguam Bela and Peguam Syarie: what's the difference

Peguam Bela is a lawyer registered to handle civil court matters, while Peguam Syarie is a lawyer specifically registered to handle Syariah Court matters.

Some lawyers hold both qualifications, but a divorce, maintenance, hadhanah or harta sepencarian case at the Syariah Court can only be handled by a Peguam Syarie registered in that state.

Peguam Syarie registration differs by state, so a lawyer registered in one state is not automatically allowed to handle a case at another state’s court without further qualification.

If you choose not to represent yourself, make sure you appoint a Peguam Syarie registered in the state where your case is filed.