What can I do if my ex-wife, who has custody of our daughter, is living with her boyfriend?

Hello dear,

Thank you for reaching out to us!

As per UAE law, if the custodial parent is engaging in behavior that may negatively impact the moral or religious upbringing of the child, such as cohabiting with someone outside of marriage, this may be grounds to request custody modification or to challenge custody altogether.

Since your daughter is still very young, the court will consider what is in her best interest, including religious, emotional, and environmental stability.

We recommend scheduling a meeting with one of our lawyers to review the custody order, assess your evidence, and guide you on the legal process to take action if necessary.

For further assistance, feel free to contact us via phone or email.

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for your message!

If your ex-wife has custody and is living with a partner outside of marriage, especially while raising your child, this could raise serious concerns under UAE law, particularly if it affects the child’s welfare or violates public morals.

As the father, you may have the right to request a modification of custody or file a complaint, depending on the evidence and specific circumstances.

To assess your legal options and take appropriate action, we recommend booking a consultation or appointing our firm to represent you.

You should first verify the situation. If this man appears, you can contact the police to officially document the incident if he is found with your ex-wife.

After that, a legal case can be filed, attaching all relevant evidence and documentation, and a request can be made to revoke her custody based on the verified facts.

Dear questioner,

The law emphasizes the importance of raising a child in accordance with Islamic values if the father is Muslim. A mother's actions that are seen to contradict these values can be grounds for a custody review.

While the UAE has decriminalized cohabitation for unmarried couples in general, specific interpretations and sensitivities may still exist within the context of child custody, especially when one parent is Muslim and the other is not.

Your ex-wife, being a converted Muslim, might add another layer to this. Gather maximum evidence about the matter, including the photos and WhatsApp chats that prove her relationships.

If you need our assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

1. Filing a custody modification case:

If you believe that the environment in which your daughter is living is unsuitable or may affect her upbringing, you can file a request with the Personal Status Court to modify the custody based on the child’s best interests.

2. Proving harm:

You should have concrete evidence that the relationship or current situation negatively impacts the child.

3. Legal consultation:

It’s advisable to consult with a family law specialist to provide the necessary advice and file the case correctly.

4. Protecting the child’s welfare:

The main goal should be the child’s best interest, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for her.

We can assist you through our office with this.

Under the UAE Personal Status Law, especially for Muslim families, the welfare of the child is the most important factor in custody decisions.

If the custodial parent is engaging in behavior that could negatively affect the child's upbringing or contradict Islamic values, the non-custodial parent (you, in this case) may petition the court to review or revoke custody.

For more details, contact us.

Thank you!

Under UAE law, if it is proven that the custodian is living in an unsuitable environment or engaging in behavior that contradicts the child’s best interests or Islamic values, you can file a request in court to revoke custody.

Strong legal evidence, such as witness statements, photos, or official reports, will be important.