Many Muslim women seem to be unaware that they may be in a marriage that is legally invalid according to British law and the consequence of this should the marriage end. Muslim women also complain about the difficulties they experience when trying to obtain a divorce. There is much misunderstanding and confusion about women's rights related to marriage and divorce. Some of this confusion arises from the fact that British courts generally recognise Islamic marriages and divorces registered abroad. However, Islamic marriages and divorces conducted in Britain are not recognised under English, Welsh or Scottish law. This is because we cannot have parallel legal systems in this country. More detailed information on marriage and divorce can be found under each section below.