FAMILY LAW

Family law in the UAE is governed by Sharia law and is regulated by the Personal Status Law,
which covers various aspects of family life, including marriage, divorce, child custody,
inheritance, and adoption.

The law generally recognizes the husband as the head of the family, and grants him certain
rights and responsibilities, including the obligation to provide financial support to his wife and
children. It also sets out specific requirements for marriage, including the need for a guardian’s
consent, and the registration of the marriage contract with the relevant authorities.
In terms of divorce, the law allows for both parties to seek a divorce, and in some cases, the
wife may be entitled to a specific type of divorce known as Khula. The law also establishes
guidelines for child custody, with the courts typically preferring to grant custody to the mother,
unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Inheritance is also regulated by the Personal Status Law, with different rules applying to male
and female heirs. Additionally, adoption is recognized in the UAE, but there are strict rules
governing the process.

Overall, family law in the UAE is complex and can vary depending on a number of factors,
including the religion and nationality of the parties involved. It is important to seek professional
legal advice if you have questions or concerns about any family law matters in the UAE.

1. Sharia Law: As mentioned earlier, family law in the UAE is governed by Sharia law, which is
   based on Islamic principles and values. This means that Islamic law is applied to all legal
   matters related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
2. Marriage: In the UAE, a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman, but a Muslim woman
   cannot marry a non-Muslim man. There are also strict requirements for marriage, such as
   the need for a guardian’s consent, the presence of witnesses, and the registration of the
   marriage contract with the relevant authorities.
3. Divorce: Both parties have the right to seek a divorce in the UAE, but the process can be
   complicated and may involve lengthy court proceedings. In some cases, the wife may be
   entitled to a type of divorce known as Khula, which allows her to initiate the divorce and end
   the marriage without her husband’s consent.
4. Child Custody: In cases of divorce, the UAE courts typically prefer to grant custody of the
   children to the mother, unless there are extenuating circumstances. However, the father may
   still have visitation rights and may be required to provide financial support to the children.
5. Inheritance: Inheritance is regulated by the Personal Status Law in the UAE, which sets out
   different rules for male and female heirs. Male heirs generally receive a larger share of the
   inheritance, but female heirs are still entitled to a portion of the assets.
6. Adoption: Adoption is recognized in the UAE, but there are strict rules governing the process.
   For example, non-Muslims are not allowed to adopt Muslim children, and the child must be
   of the same religion as the adoptive parents.
   

It’s important to note that family law in the UAE can be quite complex and may vary depending on a
number of factors, including the religion and nationality of the parties involved. If you have questions
or concerns about any family law matters, it’s best to seek professional legal advice.