UAE Family Matters Q&A: After My Remarriage, Must I Surrender Custody Of My Child As My Ex Demands?

Contributor

Dr. Elhais, with his vast legal expertise spanning family, arbitration, banking, commercial, company, criminal, inheritance, labour, and maritime law, is dedicated to providing top-tier legal solutions. As an integral member of the team at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai, he contributes to the firm's mission of delivering comprehensive legal counsel across the UAE. The team, as a whole, is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion. Initially making his mark in criminal and public law, Dr. Hassan made the decision to move to Dubai in 2006, marking a significant step in his legal career. Since joining Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, he has been an active contributor to the firm's growth and reputation. Dr. Hassan is known for his dedication to transparency in legal dealings and fee structures, a reflection of his solid ethical values.

Explore Firm Details

Question: I am a Muslim woman with court-ordered custody of my son. I am divorced from my first husband and married to another.

United Arab Emirates Family and Matrimonial

Question: I am a Muslim woman with court-ordered custody of my son. I am divorced from my first husband and married to another. My ex-husband attended my second marriage ceremony two years ago. Now, he is asking for custody of my child. Will I have to surrender the child, or do I have a chance in a court dispute?

You have a very good chance of retaining the custody of your child. Based on the fact that your ex-husband attended your second marriage ceremony two years ago and did not enforce his right to seek custody of the child, it shall be deemed that he has waived his right.

The UAE Personal Status Law states that he should have sought custody rights of your child within six months of knowing about your second marriage. Therefore, in your case, the court will require two male witnesses, or one male and two female witnesses, to testify that your first husband was well aware of your second marriage, as he had attended the ceremony.

Another point your lawyer has to highlight in his argument is the best interest of the child.

He needs to convince the court that it is best for the child to stay with you and not your ex-husband.

Emphasis should be placed on how your second marriage is good for your child. Bear in mind that the court has discretionary powers to let you keep custody of your child even if you are married to a different person if the court believes that it is in the child's best interest.

Question: We are non-Muslim expats residing in the UAE. I was planning to send my wife back home as she is pregnant. However, because of the doctor's recommendation, I did not cancel her visa and send her back before delivery of our child. Do I have to apply for a residence visa for my newborn before I send them back? Will I face any problem with the immigration authorities?

After the delivery of a baby, the newborn will have 120 days of legal stay. During this period, you are free to decide whether you want to apply and complete the visa procedures for the child or to obtain a leave permit and send your baby back to your home country. Bear in mind that the maximum period of legal stay permitted is 120 days.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.