Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allHow to get divorced in the UAE while the marriage contract was signed in Belgium?
1
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!

Mar 18, 2022
238
What did the new personal status and civil marriage law present for non-Muslims?
3
Q: Can anyone explain the latest divorce law in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslims?

Nov 10, 2021
475
Which law is better to apply for non-Muslims, UK or Sharia law?
1
Q: I wish to file for divorce from my wife. We are both non-Muslim, UK nationals living in Abu Dhabi. We have 3 children (12, 9, and 8).
I know we will both be awarded joint custody after the divorce but I wish for the children to mainly live with me at our family home.
If their main home is with me, will I still be liable to pay my wife alimony, even if she works?
What percentage of my monthly salary of AED 35,000 should I reasonably expect to pay? How long will the alimony payments last?
I am just trying to understand that if I am the children's primary carer, pay their school fees, and cover their living costs (if they live with me), then what would my wife be entitled to in the settlement as a monthly payment?

Apr 27, 2022
232
What law can I seek to apply for non-Muslim divorce and alimony in the UAE?


2
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?



Dec 22, 2023
178
How to get a divorce for a non-Muslim with an 8-year-old daughter?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
How to get a divorce for a non-Muslim with an 8-year-old daughter?





+4
Jul 12, 2024
168
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allPersonal Status Law for Non-Muslim Foreigners in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 8
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.
Nov 9, 2021
2568
Recent Amendments of the Laws in the UAE 4
An interview-format article covering the topic of the new amendments to the laws in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 3, 2021
3103
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
49116

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Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
26
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
10
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
5
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
20
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19

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Other answers by
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
20
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
35
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يسجل الطفل قانونياً بالإمارات (أب إماراتي يحمل جواز من الشارقة ، أم وافدة) في حال كان الفرق بين عقد الزواج الشرعي والولادة تقريباً 166 يوم أقل من 6 أشهر؟
هل يمنع من استخراج شهاده ميلاد؟ وما هي الإجراءات والعقوبات المتوقعة؟
مع العلم بأن الأب معترف بالطفل قبل الزواج وبعده.
شكراً
Apr 25, 2025
18
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29

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Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
26
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
20
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
38
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
44

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A firm took payment but didn’t ship cargo or refund. Can we file a case? 0
Hello,
The matter is whether we can file a case against an Ajman-based firm for non-shipment of cargo against the payment made to them.
They haven’t delivered the cargo nor returned the amount.
Apr 17, 2025
50
Bought a used car with a tampered odometer. What legal steps can I take now? 0
Hello,
Two days ago, I bought a used car. But yesterday, I found out that there has been major tampering with the odometer.
I have all the necessary proof to provide. Where do I move forward from this?
Apr 17, 2025
40
Can I petition for immediate eviction due to tenant violations and refusal to vacate after notice? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I have a question regarding an immediate eviction petition to the Urgent Judge. The tenant did not return the apartment on 26 January 2025, despite a 12-month legal notice that ended on 25 January 2025.
The tenant rejected all gas and fire prevention maintenance for 12 months. Al-Fanar Gas submitted a report with the tenant's signature and refusal after the tenant broke the gas detector.
The apartment was sold, and the new owner gave the tenant 90 days' notice. The tenant refused to show the new owner the apartment and ran away, according to building management.
The tenant ignored the 12-month legal notice, did not return the apartment, broke the gas detector, and refused gas and fire detection system maintenance.
The deal will be voided if the new owner cannot enter the property promptly. Can I petition the Urgent Matters Judge for quick eviction based on the tenant's violations?
Jan 27, 2025
93
A contractor did waterproofing on my roof but water leaked and made damages. What can I do? 0
A contractor recently did waterproofing on my townhouse roof and confirmed a warranty of 5 years (on WhatsApp). The payment receipt and invoice are available.
In 4 months, water leaks from the roof damaged the false ceiling inside the house. When contacted, he avoids calls and delays by making some excuses.
Is there any way I can get my money back?
Dec 26, 2024
64
How can I exit a partnership linked to an expired license and accumulating fines? 1
Good Day!
I am a partner in a trading license with two other individuals. Both of them were managing the business together as a cash-based operation without a bank account, while I was working elsewhere as an employee.
Now, one of the partners has passed away, and his parents are in conflict with the remaining partner, claiming he owes them money. However, the surviving partner insists that no money is owed and that everything is settled.
The license has now expired and cannot be renewed because the deceased partner’s family is not cooperating, leading to fines due to the inability to renew it.
Additionally, the remaining partner continues to conduct the same business, occasionally purchasing items under the company name.
As I am a low-salaried individual and cannot afford court fees, is there a way to remove myself from this situation, or are there any authorities who can assist me in this matter?
I am willing to help and provide whatever is required as evidence in this case.
Please advise!
Dec 30, 2024
129

Other answers by
Disputing tenant's refusal to accept old landlord's rent increase notice 3
Hi,
We recently bought a villa in Dubai. We are looking for an advocate for legal advice.
Even though the old owner gave the tenant a 90-day notice about the new rent, the tenant is not agreeing to the notice because it didn't come from us.
Since the renewal is in October and we bought the property in September, we don't have 90 days to notify the tenant of the new rent.
The tenant agreed to the new rent in an email with the old owner 90 days ago. Can we dispute this?
Sep 25, 2023
192
We had an accident. Can I claim the treatment costs paid to hospital from the insurance? 1
My family and I had an accident. The incident occurred the very next day of their arrival in the UAE on a residence entry permit and their visa//health insurance was still in process.
With gods grace, everyone was discharged from the hospital on the 3rd day after many tests and keeping us under observation. We were slapped with a hefty bill as my family was not holding any health insurance.
What are the chances that I could claim the medical expenses through the vehicle insurance, as it covers co-passengers as well?
May 29, 2023
244
My brother's wife got pregnant with another guy. What happens if he files a case against them? 2
My brother's wife got pregnant with another guy. He wants to file a case against them.
What will happen to them if ever?
May 4, 2023
318
What can I do if a company hired me then changed their mind? 0
I am working in a company and their management is the worst. They made an interview in India and called me.
After calling me here, they again made interviews and made me work for 1 month. And now, they're telling me I am not capable of work and they are mentally torturing me.
I have given them 1.5 lack in office in India and here they are not paying me any salary. I am going into depression as I am not getting any solutions.
The only solution coming to my mind is a suicide, I don’t have any other options left. I have taken money in interest and people are daily coming to my house for money.
Please guide me in a proper way on what I can do.
Apr 18, 2023
203
What happens to the company and its operations if one of the partners is deceased? 0
X Real Estate LLC is a newly formed LLC company in the mainland (DED) with 10 partners, 9 of them Indians and one Pakistani.
As per the new provisions, the company is owned 100 % by expatriate residents. The company’s business is buying and selling real estate in the UAE.
Query:
What happens to the company and other partners, when one partner dies with or without a will?
Can the remaining partners continue to operate the bank account or it will be frozen?
Are the operations of the company frozen? Can the remaining partners carry on the business as usual, buy, rent, and sell the properties?
Can the partners pay the share of the deceased partner to his legal heirs and distribute his share among the remaining partners?
Will this affect the other businesses of the remaining 9 partners in any way?
Feb 27, 2023
219
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