Should I pay $6,000 to my husband from whom I sought Khulʿ, knowing that he has not settled his outstanding debts and financial transgressions towards me and our children?

It is not permissible to seek judgment from the courts of disbelievers. The basis for Khul' (dissolution of marriage initiated by the wife) is mutual consent between the spouses. The ruling of a disbelieving court is not considered valid, and the marital bond remains intact unless the husband divorces [her] or a Muslim ruler decrees Khul'. The woman should refer to an Islamic center to settle the matter of Khul' or divorce. The maintenance of children is obligatory upon the husband, and his debt to you is due for repayment, except in the case of insolvency, in which case he should be granted respite. The husband can be absolved of the debt in exchange for the Khul' عوض (compensation). One should be keen to reside in Muslim lands.