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Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Attorneys in related practice areas.
Disputes and lawsuits in Sharjah, as in the rest of the United Arab Emirates, are governed by rules influenced by both Sharia Law and Western rules of law. These cover areas such as commercial disputes, personal disputes, and property litigations. The system is designed for fairness and transparency and aims to provide all parties with an opportunity to present their case. For non-Arabic speakers, there are translator services available in legal proceedings to facilitate better understanding.
Legal matters can be quite complex and challenging to understand, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local laws and cultural customs. You may need a lawyer in situations like contract disagreements, shareholder disputes, family disputes, employment issues or real estate matters. A good lawyer can help protect your interests, interpret the local law, assist in drafting legal documents and represent you in court if necessary.
Key aspects of the local laws in Sharjah concerning disputes and lawsuits include: compliance with Sharia law for civil, commercial, criminal, and personal status; adherence to the procedural laws laid down by the Federal Supreme Court; foreign parties should be aware of the limited role precedents play in UAE courts; and laws regarding the mandatory use of Arabic in legal documents and court proceedings. Ignorance of these laws may lead to complications later on.
Yes. Arbitration is commonly used for commercial disputes in Sharjah, and there are a number of reputable arbitration centres available throughout the UAE. Deciding to use arbitration should be specified in the contract, with an appropriately drafted arbitration clause.
The duration of a lawsuit can vary significantly, depending on the nature of the dispute, the court in which the case is heard, and various other factors. However, typically, a first-instance judgement may take around one year, with the potential for subsequent appeals.
As a general rule, legal fees are borne by the unsuccessful party. However, it's not uncommon for each party to bear their own legal costs, unless the judge decides otherwise. Always consult your lawyer on such matters.
Foreign lawyers can act as advisors, but the advocacy in court is generally reserved for UAE nationals. That is why law firms in the region typically include a mix of expatriate lawyers and local advocates.
No. The official language of the courts in Sharjah is Arabic. Therefore, all pleadings and evidence must be translated into Arabic by a legal translator.
Useful resources include the Ministry of Justice's website, the UAE Government’s official website, and local law firms and legal consultants in Sharjah. The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry also provides resources relating to commercial disputes, and University of Sharjah offers a Law Clinic that provides free legal advice.
If you believe you need legal assistance in a dispute or lawsuit, it is strongly advised to retain local legal counsel that is familiar with the intricacies of Sharjah and UAE law. Conduct a search for legal professionals in Sharjah, request recommendations, schedule consultations, and ensure the lawyer you select is knowledgeable, experienced, and a good fit for your needs.
