United Arab Emirates: Family Law

Under UAE law, allegations of moral misconduct against a custodial mother do not automatically terminate child custody. Courts assess whether proven conduct affects the child's welfare...

This V20 legal analysis examines a Dubai family judgment showing that success on one family law issue does not automatically determine the outcome of custody, relocation, maintenance, or wider financial obligations.

When minors cause harm in the UAE, parents often assume their child's age shields them from accountability. However, UAE law establishes a nuanced framework where mothers and fathers can face both civil and criminal liability depending on their own conduct and supervisory responsibilities. Legal experts explain the circumstances under which parents may be held responsible for their children's actions, the defenses available to them, and the practical steps they should take to fulfill their duty of supervisi