Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allClaiming back the custody of children by husband
2
Q: Dear,
I have been recently divorced in Abu Dhabi. My ex-wife converted to Islam in order to get a sharia divorce, though during our marriage she's always been a Christian.
She has gained custody of the children, I had guardianship.
As I had no employment in the UAE, end of March, I had to return to Belgium. Since then she has blocked any contact with my 2 boys.
This weekend, I found out she is pregnant and is living with her boyfriend and my children in our flat (we own it) in Abu Dhabi.
On top of that, she has stolen most of my belongings (family souvenirs, all my photography equipment).
I want to know what I could be doing, being in Belgium right now. I want to get my kids, I don't want her to get away with being pregnant, unmarried (she made me suffer and accused me of many lies).
Her law firm is Al Rowaad!

Jul 2, 2018
3230
Understanding the rights of the husband during divorce

2
Q: Hi,
I’ve been married for 7 years with two beautiful children and we are expats living in Dubai (British).
We decided to get divorced and I wanted to understand my rights in regards to the family name as she’s in media and uses my children as pawns on social media sites.
She also puts up pictures that I don’t want to be associated with my family for legal reasons (alcohol-related as she doesn’t have a license and hosts paid media events illegally).
Can I force her to change her surname? Do I have any rights over what pictures of my children are put up on media platforms? Do I have any rights over my family name relating to social media?
Thank you


Mar 19, 2018
1824
Custody of children in the UAE
66
Q: We separated with my wife almost a year ago and my 4-year-old daughter stays with me and her nanny in my apartment full-time. I am taking care of all the expenses and supporting her with all needed. And I want everything to be the same after divorcing.
Would it be possible for me to get custody in this situation? What are the fees of the family lawyer in Dubai?

Jun 9, 2016
30135
إسقاط حضانة ونفقة لدى مغادرة الطفل الإمارات

5
س: السلام عليكم،
تم الحكم بنفقة ثلاثة آلاف درهم بمحكمة دبي على زوج مصري مقيم، وعند انتهاء إقامة الزوج، رجع لمصر وأرسلت طليقته الطفل لمصر عند والدتها وحاليًا تقوم بالتنفيذ على الأب في الإمارات.
علمًا بأنه مستقر حاليًا بمصر.
كيف يأخذ حضانة طفله لأن الحاضنة غير موجودة معه؟ وكيف يوقف حكم النفقة في الإمارات او يخفضه؟


Dec 12, 2022
572
Laws & Regulations
1 available 1 • View allFederal Law No. (28) of 2005 On Personal Status 24
UAE Personal Status Law (also known as Personal Affairs Law) governs marriage, divorce, inheritance and other personal affairs in the United Arab Emirates. The law equally applies to citizens of the UAE and non-citizens unless one of them asks for the application of his home country law.
Nov 19, 2005
49125

Other answers by
حق الحفيدات في إرث جدهن إذا توفي والدهن قبله 2
هل الأبناء من الإناث يرثن من الجد وأبوهم متوفى قبل الجد؟
Jun 2, 2020
4026
Acting against immediate termination without a valid reason 1
Hi,
I have been working for a US company since Jan 1st, 2002. On Monday, 20th Jan 2020. I was given a letter of termination which only stated we are terminating your position.
I was on a UK contract from 2002 to December 2018 and they forced me to move to a local Dubai contract, I’ve been employed in Jebel Ali Free Zone for the whole duration.
I had no prior warning of this, but I was asked to leave immediately and hand in my company laptop and take a 30-day garden leave.
I was also given 60 additional days as an ex gratia payment. I have received the final settlement calculations which include gratuity.
My question is, is this the correct procedure that should be followed?
When are they entitled to cancel my visa? Is it after 30 days or after 90 days?
My visa expires on 20th Feb so it looks like this was planned.
However, am I entitled to ask them to renew my visa for the full 90 day period?
And when do they legally have to pay my end of service benefits?
Jan 22, 2020
669

Premium
Other answers by
My husband sold the house we bought jointlyand took a cheque plus 1-year instalments from me. What can I do? 0
Hi,
I am a non-Muslim indian expatriate, residing in Dubai since 2015. The first 5 years, I was on a working visa, and after the delivery of my first baby, I left my job and became dependent on my husband.
In 2018, we bought a house together where I invested AED 2 hundred thousand from my income (I have proof in the form of a cheque). I also paid AED 3300 monthly installment for 1 year, for a personal loan taken out for the house.
But in spite of my resistance, my husband tactfully put the house in his name, so the title deed was in his name. In 2024, when my kids and I were in India for vacation, he cancelled our visas and residency. He also filed for a divorce in India.
The divorce is not yet finalised, and we are still married. Since August 2024, he hasn't let me access my house in Dubai, so I filed a case, which eventually went in my favor in January 2025.
Since I used to travel on a visit visa, I left for India and returned in March, to find out that my husband had already sold the house. The new owner is residing there.
What can I do now?
Help!
May 1, 2025
17
Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest? 0
Hi
I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest.
My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right?
Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat.
Please answer me. I want to know my rights.
Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know.
They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.
May 1, 2025
23
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
42
Can I return to Dubai after 12 years away on a new employment visa? 0
Hello,
I came from Dubai to India on emergency leave, but unfortunately, I did not return. It has now been 12 years. Can I go to Dubai on a new visa?
I have already received a new employment visa from another employer.
Can I return to Dubai, or will there be any problems with UAE immigration?
Please advise!
Apr 30, 2025
18
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer