Q: Can anyone explain the latest divorce law in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslims?

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!

Q: Dear sir/madam, The new laws stipulate that the divorce laws of the country of origin in which the marriage has taken place apply. Now, to put it bluntly, how do one's parents go about getting a divorce in the UAE when the marriage contract was signed in Belgium? Secondly, what happens to the children if two of them are considered "majors" and the other is a "minor"? Lastly, if possible, could you provide me with a brief overview of the divorce process in general, considering the aforementioned information provided? Thank you!

Q: Can a non-Muslim wife of a Muslim husband file a divorce as per the new non-Muslim personal status law? Or she must file for divorce only as per Sharia law?

Q: Does Dubai follow the federal decree law no. (41) of 2022 for divorce? I am a non-Muslim Filipino and have been separated from my estranged wife for almost 6 years now. In case Dubai does not follow this new law for divorce, can I file the divorce in Abu Dhabi even if I am a Dubai resident? Will I have to pay alimony?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My brother, who is British, is seeking a divorce lawyer. His wife, also British, refuses to divorce him. They were married in a church in Jebel Ali, Dubai, and it has been 4 years since. She does not work, and he covers 100% of the expenses. She aims to trap him to avoid returning to work, and her family possesses evidence of mental health issues. She refuses to undergo a medical test due to fears of losing custody. He is seeking someone to represent him and advise on whether UAE divorce law or UK law would be better, considering a fair split of costs for their two children.

A new civil personal status decree has been introduced in the emirate of Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. This personal status decree will be applicable for non-Muslim foreigners based in Abu Dhabi in matters of marriage, divorce, Will, inheritance, and custody of children.

There are rights and obligations for both parties of the marriage contract arise as a result of divorce, which often disputed by the spouses. Here we will explain the due alimony and its types for the wife (divorced - widow) and children after divorce in accordance with the UAE Personal Status Law, Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 and its explanatory memorandum.

An interview-format article covering the topic of custody and guardianship in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

Joint Custody in UAE Law Article 10 of the Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims shines a spotlight on the significance of Shared custody following divorce. This article recognizes joint and equal custody as a right for both the father and mother post-separation or divorce.

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.