أسئلة وأجوبة
Do I still need to pay court-ordered housing if my ex-wife refuses the house I rented?
Hello,
I have decided to rent a house for my ex-wife and my son (she has custody of him).
Now she is refusing to move into the house. Is there anything I can do?
Do I still have to pay for housing through the court, or will that stop?
Dear Client,
Thanks for your question! I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.
If your ex-wife is refusing to move into the house you rented for her and your son, there are several steps you can take.
According to UAE law, the court typically grants the mother physical custody until certain ages, but it also implies a responsibility for the child's well-being.
You may want to discuss the situation with her directly or consider mediation to resolve any concerns she may have about the move.
If she continues to refuse, you should consult with us to understand your legal obligations regarding housing payments and how they may be affected by her refusal to occupy the rented property.
Ultimately, addressing this issue amicably is crucial for your son's best interests.
Thanks & Regards,
ABDUL WAHIED
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your inquiry!
Based on the details you've shared, here is a summary of your legal position and potential next steps:
- Payment of Housing Expenses:
If the court has already ordered you to provide housing for your ex-wife and son as part of the alimony and custody arrangement, your obligation to continue paying for housing generally remains in effect until the court modifies the order.
Simply arranging housing for them does not automatically relieve you of this responsibility.
- Modification of Court Order:
If your ex-wife is refusing to move into the house you have rented for her and your son, you may consider filing a request with the court to modify the housing arrangement.
The court will evaluate whether the current housing situation is still in the best interest of your child, and may adjust the order accordingly.
- Communication with Your Ex-Wife:
It may also be helpful to communicate directly with your ex-wife to understand her reasons for refusing to move into the house.
If there is a valid reason (such as location or other concerns), this could be resolved outside of court or with an amicable agreement.
- Next Steps:
Given that this issue is tied to your custody arrangement and housing responsibilities, I would recommend scheduling a consultation with me so we can discuss the best course of action moving forward, whether that be seeking a modification in court or addressing the matter through negotiation.
Please let me know if you would like to take further steps, and I would be happy to assist you with the process.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Hello,
Offering an alternative housing arrangement by renting an apartment for your ex-wife is a potential solution, but it depends on the agreement or court order that governs your financial obligations.
In general, the court may accept this alternative solution if it meets the housing needs of your ex-wife and child.
However, she would not necessarily be "forced" to live in the apartment you provide, unless the court specifically orders her to do so.
If she refuses to live in the apartment, the issue could become contentious, and the court might need to intervene to decide whether the arrangement is acceptable.
If you want to ensure that the housing fee is reduced or removed from the calculations, you will need to file a formal request with the court.
Provide evidence that the apartment you rent meets the housing needs of your ex-wife and child.

Greetings of the day,
According to UAE law, the father is responsible for providing housing for his children, regardless of whether the mother has custody or not.
Therefore, you are still obligated to provide housing for your son and ex-wife, even if she refuses to move into the house you have rented for them.
If your ex-wife is refusing to move into the house, you can try to resolve the issue through mediation. You may also consider discussing the situation with your ex-wife and finding out the reasons for her refusal to move into the house.
If there are valid reasons, you may need to find a different solution for providing housing for your son and ex-wife.
If you have already paid for the housing in court, you may need to continue paying until a new arrangement is made.
However, if the court has not yet ordered you to pay for housing. Therefore, it is important to try to find a solution that works for both parties and ensures that your son's and ex-wife's housing needs are met.
Best Regards,
Sara Al Saedi Advocates & Legal Consultants
Under UAE law, if you have offered accommodation for your ex-wife and she refuses to move in, it may be considered a failure to comply with the court's instructions.
However, you may still be obligated to continue paying the housing allowance unless a new court ruling is issued.
You can contact us via WhatsApp for further details and assistance, as we specialize in such matters.
Yes, you can file a formal request to the court to stop paying the housing amount, but you must prove that you have provided suitable housing.
You cannot stop paying before an official decision is issued by the court to modify the judgment.
If the ex-wife refuses to move without a valid reason, you may have a chance to cancel the cash amount.
It is preferable to hire a lawyer to submit a strong legal request supported by evidence, which increases the chances of the request being accepted in your favor.
Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry!
Based on the details you’ve provided, it appears that you have made arrangements to secure housing for your ex-wife and son, but she is refusing to move into the house.
In situations like this, where custody and financial obligations are involved, there are a few important legal aspects to consider:
- Court-Ordered Housing Obligation:
If the court has ordered you to provide housing for your son or ex-wife, you may still be required to fulfill this obligation as part of the court ruling, even if your ex-wife refuses to move into the house.
The court typically bases its decision on the best interests of the child, and if the housing arrangement was part of the custody decision, you may need to continue meeting this obligation unless a court decides otherwise.
- Modification of the Housing Order:
You can request the court to revisit and modify the order if circumstances have changed, particularly if your ex-wife is refusing to comply with the housing arrangement.
You would need to demonstrate that her refusal is unjustified and that continuing to pay for housing under these conditions is unreasonable.
- Legal Action:
If you feel that your ex-wife's refusal to move into the house is detrimental to your son's well-being or if there are other concerns regarding the arrangement, legal action may be an option.
I would recommend consulting with a family law expert who can help navigate the process and advocate for your interests.
I would be happy to assist you in reviewing the court order, exploring potential legal avenues, and discussing how we can address this issue in a manner that best protects your rights and interests.
Please feel free to contact me directly via WhatsApp at [------------] or email me at [------------] to schedule a consultation and discuss your case further.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana

You can submit a request to the court requesting that your wife move to live in this house, and you must provide proof that the house in which you live has expired or something similar.