Th is research project was part of a larger programme entitled Transnational Families between Dutch and Islamic Family Law at the Radboud University Nijmegen, coordinated by Betty de Hart and funded by a NWO-VIDI grant. Betty de Hart has been and continues to be a great mentor. I have also learned much from working with Friso Kulk and Jessica Carlisle; I feel privileged to have been part of such a great team. I am also very grateful to Willy Jansen and Ashley Terlouw for their continual guidance, thoughtful comments and thought-provoking questions. I am deeply indebted to all who have contributed to this study. First and foremost, the people who were willing to share sometimes painful stories about a very intimate subject and without whom this research project would not have been possible. I would also like to thank all NGO representatives, lawyers, translators and other professionals who have agreed to spend time with me and answer my many questions. Joke Verkuijlen of Stichting Steun Remigranten (SSR), the staff of the Steunpunt in Berkane and Noor Stevens of Bezness Alert were particularly helpful. Th e court in Th e Hague and the Raad voor de Rechtspraak enabled me to do research at the court. Th e Dutch institutes in Rabat (NIMAR) and Cairo (NVIC) supported me during my fi eldwork.