ARTICLE
7 March 2016

Family Matters Q&A: Can I Claim Custody Of Child?

AM
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.
A settlement agreement is a legally-binding contract on both parties and any breach of the same is an offence and punishable under the law.
United Arab Emirates Family and Matrimonial

I waived my right to custody in a settlement agreement but now I want to claim custody of my child. Can I?

A settlement agreement is a legally-binding contract on both parties and any breach of the same is an offence and punishable under the law. The custody of children is an inherent part of the settlement agreement.

But, according to Article 110 of Law No?28 of 2005, the right of custody cannot be waived, and can be claimed on the basis of the best interest of the child. Nevertheless, by accepting certain conditions in the settlement agreement makes the claim more challenging because the court is well within its right to refuse the request of the claimant.

I am 'being informed' by a judge that my spouse will 'be informed' via publication. What does that mean?

If the respondent could not be notified, the judge will adjourn the hearing to allow a publication to be made in the newspaper. A publication is an advertisement made in a UAE-based newspaper requesting that the respondent make contact with the court within a certain period. The publication can be made twice in Arabic and/or English, or in Arabic only if the respondent is an Arabic speaker. The cost of the publication must be borne by the claimant. If the respondent does not contact the court within the time period, the judge may order that a further advertisement be published in the newspaper. The charges of publication have to be borne by the claimant.

Originally published by The National.

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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