Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allRight of the wife to claim custody in the UAE after losing it in home country
1
Q: My ex-wife and I are of the same nationality, non-muslim. We were married back home and divorced back home in Feb 2021.
The court granted custody to me. I live with my children here in the UAE. The children are 16 and 9.
She refused to go back home and now is an illegal alien in the UAE having an expired tourist visa.
She threatened me to go to court here to take back custody. Can she do that?
Jun 27, 2021
301
Filing a divorce case in the UAE while the same case is filed abroad
5
Q: Hi,
If I have already filed for divorce in a foreign jurisdiction, the papers have been served and my spouse has responded, is it then possible for them to try and file for divorce in the UAE?
Additionally, they are seeking a "settlement agreement" in the UAE, which I have declined as the matter is already before the court overseas? Is this possible?
Dec 17, 2020
742
Legal assistance in drafting a divorce settlement agreement

1
Q: Dear Team,
I would like to know what might happen in the conciliatory procedure. I filed a divorce against my husband and I was called for an appointment. I assume it is for this procedure. Please advise.
How can I draft a settlement agreement? How much possibly it might cost if I will consult a lawyer about this? Maybe you can refer me an adviser with regards to this concern that can charge me less.
I am just a normal worker seeking justice for my child.
Regards,
G.
Sep 23, 2018
2012
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allOnline POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE 28
With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.
Jun 8, 2021
19252
Choosing the Jurisdiction of Expatriate Divorces in the UAE 7
An interview-format article covering the topic of divorce for expatriates in the UAE and seeking to apply the laws of their countries. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 13, 2020
2961
Personal 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
2574
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
49127

Premium
Other answers by
What should I do if the company cuts my salary by 60% without my consent? 0
Hello,
I'm a Malaysian and have worked with a company registered in Dubai. I'm based in Malaysia and have been working with them since 2008.
Recently, the company has been facing financial trouble and offered me a 60% pay cut, which I did not agree to. I offered them two options: to temporarily cut my salary by 20%, or to pay me retrenchment compensation based on my contract (which is based on Malaysian law).
Please advise me on my next course of action if the company cuts my salary by 60% without my consent.
Apr 24, 2025
41
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
55
هل يمكن الزواج من إماراتي عسكري متقاعد عالمعاش بدون تقديم موافقه من جهه العمل؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يمكن الزواج من إماراتي عسكري متقاعد عالمعاش بدون تقديم موافقه من جهه العمل؟
وإذا تم الزواج فعلاً، هل يتاثر الزوج أو يتعاقب؟
وفي حال لم يقل الزوج مكان عمله، هل المأذون له طريقه ليعرف جهه العمل؟
هل يمكن الزواج عن بعد إذا كان الولي (الأخ) خارج الإمارات ولا يحمل هويه إماراتيه؟
وهل يجب فقط الشهود من نفس جنسيه الزوجة؟ هل هذا شرط ؟
واذا لم يتوفر، لا أستطيع تقديم طلب نهائي من شهود جنسيات أخرى مع العلم أن الزواج خارج المحكمة مع مأذون في عجمان.
مع العلم أن الزوج إماراتي متقاعد والزوجه أردنية (مطلقه مع شهادة طلاق صادرة من وزارة العدل بينونة كبرى) وشهادة وفاة ولي الأمر (والدي) من الإمارات، وفحص طبي من الإمارات.
Apr 24, 2025
32
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟ 0
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟
Apr 25, 2025
29
كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك.
في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة.
أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات.
أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع.
شكراً جزيلاً.
May 1, 2025
16

Premium
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How to claim compensation after receiving a court judgment in my favor for a car accident? 0
Good day,
I need help, please. I was involved in an accident. I was run over by a car and I was not the guilty party.
Now, I have received the judgment order from the court.
How do I submit it to claim my compensation from the guilty party?
Thank you!
May 2, 2025
31
Is overtime applicable on work-from-home days under company’s policy? 0
Hello,
The company has a policy allowing employees to work from home once per week.
Now, employees are asking if overtime is applicable for those who work from home as well.
Could you please clarify?
Thank you!
May 2, 2025
22
Can the landlord send me an eviction notice for non-payment despite submitting an offer and deposit at RDC? 0
I’ve lived in my building for over 4 years, with the most recent rent being AED 50,000. Each year, the management collects cheques and extra AED 2,400–2,500 cash (no receipt) for management and Ejari fees.
My contract was due for renewal on 15 Feb 2025, but management delayed, demanding a 10% rent increase even though no formal 90-day notice and the RERA index did not allow it.
After a month of excuses, the manager called on 12 March, insisted increase to 55K, and threatened eviction if I refused. When I referenced RDC, he hung up. The next day, he again made unprofessional remarks, so I decided to go with RDC.
I submitted my offer and deposit on 13th March, but the management didn’t respond. The case went to the judge on 14 April he ruled in my favor.
On 30 April, I applied for the execution of the ruling, and RDC says I can renew Ejari only on 8th May at DLD with cheques given to them.
However, on 1st May 2025, I received a notarized eviction notice for non-payment of rent and communication.
My question is, what will happen at DLD now?
May 2, 2025
16
Can I resign during the probation period without serving a three-month notice to take another job? 0
I am working in the private sector, and currently I am in the probation period. I got a government job, so I submitted a one-month resignation notice.
My current company rejected my one-month notice and ordered me to serve a three-month notice (as per the contract).
I enquired with One Time Centre, and as per their advice, after one month, I can stop work and register a complaint against my company.
For this matter, how will the UAE law help me to solve it?
May 2, 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
26

Other answers by
How long does it take the court for disbursement labor dues after payment by the employer? 2
Hi there,
I have a labor case that has been ruled in my favor. I filed an execution case & the employer paid the outstanding balance to the court.
I requested disbursement and this has been accepted. I have given the court my IBAN & account info.
How long does disbursement take?
Thanks
May 18, 2023
1430
Can I pay the fine to close a credit card if the bank asks for huge amount to settle? 0
Dear Team,
I have an issue with my credit card, which was issued in 2013 and I used the same till 2018, all the payments had done on time.
Unfortunately, last time in 2018, I was troubled by a financial crisis. Due to the same, I had some amount pending on my credit card, and in 2018, I went to my home country as I lost my job.
This year, two months back, I came back to UAE. Now the bank team is asking for a huge amount for the settlement.
Could you please advise me on how to close this case with the fine by the court?
May 16, 2023
165
Can I claim my labor rights if my employer did not renew my contract? 0
I am a doctor by profession, and my contract with my company was valid till June 2023.
Last year in September 2022, I canceled my company visa to apply for Golden Visa. After stamping my Golden Visa, my company didn't provide me with a new contract.
My question is can I continue working without a new contract?
Do I have any rights or claim of my unpaid salaries from the court in such a scenario?
May 14, 2023
193
Can we vacate the tenant after purchasing a new flat in Dubai? 1
Hi,
I bought a flat in April in Dubai with my husband. The flat has a tenant with a rental contract from the previous owner.
The tenancy contract expires in June. The tenant has previously committed to leave and now wants to stay.
1. Can we force the tenant to leave as per previous confirmations?
2. If we can't make the tenant leave, can we modify the contract (rent, number of cheques, etc) because we did not sign the original contract?
May 12, 2023
994
My friend has been charged with a case of possession of narcotics. How to defend the case? 0
Dear Lawyers,
My friend has been charged with a case of possession of a narcotic substance schedule 3 for personal use, on 1st March 2023. The quantity was very small, maybe 5 gm.
The case is now in public prosecution under investigation, and he is currently on a travel ban as well.
My question is as per the new law on drugs and as a first-time offense, what would be the verdict?
Can he get a new visa and change jobs during this phase?
How much time does it take to finish the case?
May 11, 2023
384
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