The objective of this article is to determine the criteria used in the definition of the dividend policy in the chains of family hypermarkets and supermarkets in the state of Zulia, Venezuela. The research design is non-experimental in the field, with a type of descriptive study. The results showed, on the one hand, compliance with the legal restrictions defined for the distribution of dividends; and on the other, it highlights a characteristic feature of family businesses, such as responding to the particular needs of shareholders, making it difficult to meet financially suitable criteria for the stability and economic growth of the organization