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Browse our 2 legal questions about Divorce & Separation in United Arab Emirates and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Divorce and separation law in Dubai falls under the umbrella of the United Arab Emirates' Sharia law, unless you're expats in which case your home country laws might apply. Divorce procedures can be either mutual or generic (one-sided) and the process varies depending on the couple's nationality, religion, and where they were married. The need for expert legal advice, therefore, is important for navigating this multifaceted system.
As mentioned, the type of divorce, nationality, and religion can significantly impact the process. A lawyer familiar with Dubai’s laws can guide you through the intricacies of the process, help negotiate issues such as child custody, and ensure that property and financial matters are appropriately dealt with. In particularly complex cases or contentious separations, a lawyer can act as an advocate ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
In Dubai, divorce proceedings align primarily with Islamic Law (Sharia law). However, there are provisions for non-Muslims and expatriates. The law recognizes divorce by mutual consent, where couples jointly petition for separation. It also acknowledges divorce due to damage, where the plaintiff can claim physical or moral damage inflicted by the other party. Matters concerning child custody, alimony, and property division all follow the guidelines set under UAE law. However, non-Muslim expatriates may have the option to apply their home country laws, depending on various factors and agreements.
This largely depends on the circumstances of the divorce. In cases of mutual agreement, personal attendance may be unnecessary. However, contested divorces often require court appearances.
The timeframe of the divorce process in Dubai can vary greatly from a few weeks for a straightforward mutual consent divorce between UAE nationals, to several months, or even years for contested or more complicated cases involving expats.
Child custody laws in Dubai favor the mother for children under the age of 13 for girls and 11 for boys, provided that she can prove she can adequately care for the child. However, each case is subject to individual determination as per UAE law.
Usually, UAE law prevails but expatriates do have the right to request that their home country's laws are applied. However, this requires mutual consent and is subject to the discretion of the court.
Under UAE laws, any assets or property acquired during the marriage are usually divided equally. However, the division of assets can be complex and may be influenced by various factors such as prenuptial agreements, the individual circumstances of each case, and whether home country laws are applied.
You may find these resources helpful when seeking legal advice on divorce and separation in Dubai: The Family Guidance department of the Dubai Courts, the Personal Status Court in Dubai, and the UAE Ministry of Justice. They provide a variety of information relating to marriage, divorce and child custody laws in Dubai.
If you need legal assistance with a divorce or separation in Dubai, start by researching local laws that may apply to your situation. Consider consulting with a local lawyer who specializes in divorce and family law. It’s also important to communicate openly with your spouse or former partner, if possible. Patience, cooperation and professional legal guidance can contribute to a smoother, less contentious process.
