Questions & Answers
Divorce proceedings and asset distribution for expats in the UAE
Good day,
I am a South African citizen married to a Romanian citizen under the Romanian law. [We were married in the Romanian embassy in Qatar and issued a Romanian marriage certificate.]
We are residents of the UAE since 2006. Each of us has worked under own company sponsorship. Our marriage has now come to an end.
I wish to have the divorce proceedings taking place here in the UAE although I am certain that my wife wishes to have it done in Romania.
We have assets both in Abu Dhabi and Romania. Two properties each in both countries fully paid off.
Will it be possible to start the divorce proceedings from my side here in the UAE (Abu Dhabi) even if she is unwilling to do so?
Many thanks,
Marius Strydom
Dear Mr. Strydom,
Thank you for getting in touch and I hope you are doing well.
Yes, it is possible for expats to proceed with divorce proceedings in the UAE. The divorce decree issued in Dubai can be enforced in South Africa, Qatar and Romania.
In a nutshell, proceedings commenced in the UAE shall have international validity as long as both the parties are here.
I trust I have dealt with your query with sufficient information.
We have a dedicated team of lawyers working solely on family matters and can assist you in commencing proceedings in the UAE.
You may contact me on 052-9495731 or mail on hari@alnassaradvocates.com for further discussion.
Regards,
Hari Wadhwana
Dear Questioner,
With reference to your inquiry, kindly be informed that you can definitely file for divorce as per the relevant UAE Laws.
We certainly can assist you with that matter for good.
We would require a meeting at our premises in order to discuss the whole matter further.
Please contact us in order to proceed with all the necessary steps to be taken.
Kind Regards.
