UAE Family Matters Q&A: Can My New Wife Be Named As A Carer On My Child Custody Claim?

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Dr Hassan Elhais

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.
I have recently remarried and wondered if I can use the name of my new wife as the woman who will take care of my child after I win custody?
United Arab Emirates Family and Matrimonial

Question: I have the legal right to claim custody of my son. I heard that I need to submit details of the woman who will take care of my child along with my custody claim. I have recently remarried and wondered if I can use the name of my new wife as the woman who will take care of my child after I win custody?

Answer: As per Article 144 of the Personal Status law of the UAE, you have the right to use the name of your second wife as the woman who will take care of your child to claim custody. Although the above fact is not expressly stated in the article, it is detailed in official accompanying law notes. It is also worth keeping in mind that the woman you mention in your custody claim could be a sister, mother or a paid caretaker.

Question: My estranged wife acquired a serious infectious disease after she got custody of our child through a court order. I am concerned that the child might be infected with this disease. Can I claim custody based on this concern, to protect my child's safety?

Answer: Definitely. As per Article 144 of the UAE Federal Law No28 of 2005, referred to as Personal Status Law, you have the right to claim custody of your child on the basis of the above circumstances by applying to the court. If the court is convinced that the health of your estranged wife poses a risk to the child, you have a good chance of getting a favourable custody court order.

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.

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