The family law matters we handle
- divorce of foreign spouses living in the UAE;
- choosing between divorcing in the UAE or in the country of nationality;
- child custody, contact arrangements and relocation abroad;
- spousal and child maintenance;
- dividing assets in the UAE — property, bank accounts, company shares;
- recognition in the UAE of a marriage or divorce obtained abroad, and vice versa;
- prenuptial and divorce settlement agreements.
Which law governs an expat divorce in the UAE
Non-Muslims. Since 1 February 2023, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for non-Muslims has applied across the country. It covers marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance. The key features of the civil approach:
- divorce can be granted at the request of one spouse without proving fault;
- joint custody of children by both parents as the principle;
- equal rights for men and women, including in divorce;
- the option to choose the applicable law, including the law of nationality, subject to the conditions of the law.
Abu Dhabi has had its own Law No. 14 of 2021 on civil marriage and personal status for non-Muslims since 2021, with a dedicated family court for non-Muslims hearing these cases.
Muslims and mixed marriages. Where at least one spouse is Muslim, the Sharia-based personal status law generally applies, with different rules on divorce, custody and maintenance. This needs to be factored in from the start.
Children, maintenance and property
A UAE court decides custody, contact and maintenance by reference to the child's interests and the applicable law. Maintenance and custody terms depend on the parties' incomes, the children's needs and the family's circumstances — there is no fixed tariff.
Assets need particular attention: Dubai property, UAE bank accounts and company shares may each require separate steps to divide. Where the family owns a business, we deal with the corporate side in parallel — see shareholder disputes. If your residence visa is sponsored by your spouse, divorce may affect it, so plan an alternative early — see UAE visas and residency.
How we work
- Consultation. We establish both spouses' nationalities, where and how you married, children and assets, and assess where and under which law it makes sense to divorce.
- Strategy. Where possible, an agreement on the divorce, children and assets: faster, cheaper and calmer for the children.
- Documents. Marriage and birth certificates, Arabic translations, legalisation and a power of attorney — see powers of attorney and legalisation.
- Proceedings. In court we work alongside a licensed UAE advocate with rights of audience; you receive a weekly progress report.
- After the judgment — recognition abroad, transfer of assets and visa arrangements.
For estate questions, see also wills and inheritance in the UAE.
Timing and fees
Timing depends on whether the spouses agree, the court's workload and whether children or assets are contested. Consultation from AED 750 for 60 minutes, credited if you engage us. Case handling is a fixed project from AED 5,000. Court fees, translations and legalisation are extra and listed in the estimate. Every conversation is confidential.
FAQ
Generally yes: UAE courts hear divorces of foreign residents. Which court and which law suit you better is something we assess at the consultation.
Under the civil law for non-Muslims, no — one spouse can request a divorce. Different rules apply if one spouse is Muslim.
For non-Muslims the law starts from joint custody by both parents. The court sets the specific arrangements in the child's interests.
Much of the work can often be done under a power of attorney, but personal attendance may be required. It depends on the court and the type of case.