United Arab Emirates: Family Law

Inheritance matters in the UAE can be sensitive, emotional, and legally complex, especially where Sharia principles apply. Families may need to deal with property, bank accounts, business shares, debts, minor children, and disputes between heirs, often at a difficult time.

Navigating the UAE's complex legal landscape requires understanding federal laws, emirate-level procedures, and free zone regulations. This comprehensive guide explores what makes effective legal counsel in the Emirates, from document-driven court procedures to the nuances of civil law principles and specialized jurisdictions like DIFC and ADGM.

Expats in Dubai face severe consequences without proper estate planning, including frozen bank accounts, custody battles, and lengthy court processes. Learn how to protect your family through proper will registration...

Dr. Hassan Elhais is one of the best family lawyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for cases involving children cases, especially those requiring cross-border enforcement of custody. He was elected co-chair of the Relocation of Children Committee of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and he recently spoke on key issues for expatriate families at the IAFL Asia Pacific Symposium in Kuala Lumpur. Dr. Hassan Elhais is a professional lawyer who has developed expertise in dealing with cases that are specific to expats living in UAE including cross-border matters such as parental child abduction and the enforcement of foreign financial judgments.

Recent UAE legal reforms have transformed child custody laws, extending custodial rights until age 18 and allowing children over 15 to express parental preferences.

Many fathers worry that they have no real chance of getting child custody in the UAE. They often believe the court will automatically give custody to the mother, no matter what the circumstances are.

This court analysis examines a Dubai family judgment in which the court ordered a broad financial support package covering spousal maintenance, housing, child maintenance, school fees...

A Dubai family court judgment demonstrates that proving harm for divorce does not automatically resolve custody, relocation, parental access, or financial support issues. Each aspect of family litigation requires separate evidence, pleadings, and legal strategy, particularly when international relocation affects parental access and guardianship responsibilities.

This legal update explains how a Dubai family judgment demonstrates that non-Muslim family maintenance exposure may extend beyond monthly support to include housing...