ARTICLE
20 May 2016

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

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Dr. Hassan Elhais, a long-standing member of the prestigious Amal Alrashedi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, is a renowned legal consultant in the UAE, specializing in family law, criminal law, civil law, company incorporation, construction law, banking law, inheritance law, and arbitration. Dr. Elhais has gained wide recognition in the country, winning numerous awards and accolades. He was declared the Legal Consultant of the Year in 2026 by Leaders in Law. He was also elected as the co-chair of the ‘Relocation of Children Committee’ of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a worldwide association of practicing lawyers, widely regarded as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries. Dr. Hassan Elhais’s continued recognition in the 2025 Chambers and Partners rankings for Family/Matrimonial services to High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE from 2022-2025.
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
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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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