Q: Dear sir/madam, I am separated from my wife due to compatibility reasons. We got married in the Indian consulate in Dubai on December, 23rd. We would like to file a divorce on mutual consent as soon as possible. May I get some advice here on the procedures?

Q: My query is about mutual consent for divorce, I would like to know more info about this. My husband and I have been separated for 7 years now since 2013. We tried to reconcile but it was not successful. We both are here in the UAE until now and have different lives already, we have 1 daughter in the Philippines under his mom's care. Support comes from both of us. We talk once in a blue moon if it concerns deeply our daughter. No idea where he lives now in the UAE. I communicate with my daughter through my mother in law. We do not have a joint savings account or property in the Philippines. A long time has been wasted. I would like to file for Mutual Consent for Divorce so my name will no longer be associated with his and we both can move on legally. Please also advise roughly on the cost of the consent for divorce.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I got divorced 2 years ago, and now my ex-wife has registered a "Marital Matters Non-Muslim" lawsuit against me. It is currently in the "friendly settlement" stage at the "Correction and Guidance Department" under the control of a "reformer family counselor." Question 1: I have heard that there are two types of settlement attempts. The first attempt is made to settle, and if settlement is not reached, no further action is taken. The second attempt is made to settle, and if settlement is not reached, the litigants are given a paper authorizing them to start a lawsuit in the personal status court. Which of these types of settlement attempts does this current lawsuit fall under? Question 2: Is it possible to claim lack of jurisdiction at this stage? The matter that my ex-wife has raised is related to a loan that I gave her. Loans are not controlled by personal status law, even if the loan was between spouses.

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.

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.