Questions & Answers
Divorce of expats in the UAE while the wife is abroad
Good afternoon,
I have an inquiry regarding the divorce procedures in the United Arab Emirates.
Brief facts of my situation:
I am a US citizen and have been married to a resident of the United Arab Emirates. He is originally from Syria and works in Abu Dhabi, UAE for approximately 40 years.
We got married in 2014 in Abu Dhabi where I lived with my husband until 2019. I hoped to create a family with him but he was abusive and I decided to leave him.
I came back to the United States on May 5, 2019, and have no intention to go back nor to stay in this marriage. My husband had been informed by me and my family that I want a divorce.
I would like to get a divorce as soon as possible. We have no children nor property to share. I can provide all additional information upon further request.
Please provide me with the approximate costs to prepare the necessary documents to file the paperwork and how long it will take to obtain a divorce.
Dear Questioner,
As ex-pats in the UAE, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, you must file for divorce before the UAE Courts.
The procedures must start at the conciliation dept. and in case there is no room for settlement between the parties and the divorce is a decided matter, then the counselor refers the subject to the family courts who takes the statement of both parties and registers the divorce.
For this smooth procedure to happen, it will require the attendance of both parties.
Otherwise, if you remain outside of the UAE, your husband has the right to file a case against you for divorce based on the damage he has - that you left him - and notify you through courier or to your latest known address inside the UAE.
It may take 3-6 months to get a divorce verdict because of the related procedures but we have done it before and we can assist you and him to make it happen.
You can get in touch with me privately through email.
