Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allCan a non-Muslim wife of a Muslim husband divorce as per the non-Muslim personal status law?




0
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?





Feb 23, 2023
246
How can I divorce my husband in the UAE as a non-Muslim expatriate?


1
Q: I want to divorce my husband after 11 years of marriage due to incompatibility issues.
We have an almost 10-year-old daughter and we are both Indian Christians.
How will the proceedings be and who will get custody of our daughter?



Jan 26, 2022
328
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
241
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
187
Negotiate asset split and spousal support: direct talks, mediator, or lawyer negotiations?




1
Q: Hello,
I am currently getting divorced from my wife in Abu Dhabi. We are Americans, got married in the US 6 years ago, and are both non-Muslims.
We are officially divorced and we wrapped up custody proceedings for our 19-month-old daughter last week and it was decided for 50/50, joint custody.
I believe the next stage is for asset split and spousal support. Is that best handled with one-on-one talks with my ex-wife, or the use of a moderator, or have lawyer-to-lawyer negotiations?
Also, can spousal support be paid from the former wife to the former husband? In the US this is very possible.
I am very concerned about this as my ex-wife makes considerably more than I do (we moved to Abu Dhabi so she could take a lucrative position).
Thank you!





+1
Aug 12, 2024
75
Legal blog
3 available 3 • 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
2595
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
3129
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
2978
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
49183

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I purchased a tour voucher from a holiday agency in Dubai and could not use due to a visa issue. Can I still claim it? 0
I purchased a tour voucher from a holiday agency in Dubai in 2023 worth AED 4239.00, but was not able to use it due to a visa problem.
I have constant email and communication through phone with them, and they informed me back then that my voucher will be available and has no expiration date that I can use anytime I want.
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Can I still claim and ask for my money back?
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Jun 2, 2025
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Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (1) 0
Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer.
On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025.
Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date.
In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress.
To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)
May 30, 2025
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As a UK citizen returning to Dubai after over a year, do I need to apply for an entry permit? 0
Hello,
I am a UK citizen. I arrive in Dubai on the 2nd of June. I think I need to apply for an entry permit, as I have been out of the country for more than 1 year.
Please, can you help?
Everyone I speak to doesn't know and gives different information.
May 29, 2025
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Can I get a new job and employment visa while under a false embezzlement case and travel ban? 0
Hello,
My previous employer filed a case against me for embezzlement and imposed a travel ban. I know for myself it was all a lie, but since the case is already filed and the police investigation is still ongoing, I need to find a job.
However, first, I am worried that my new employer will come to know I have an active case. Second, I am worried that I cannot get an employment visa.
Can someone help me?
May 29, 2025
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Do I have to pay the value of training to the company in case of terminating the contract? 0
Salam,
My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees.
This is the clause mentioned in my contract:
"The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party's legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)"
My question is:
1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)?
2. I didn't even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay?
My case is in MOHRE.
Thanks
Nov 13, 2024
357
Can I apply for Amnesty 2024 with a bounced cheque and credit card debt? 5
Hi,
Amnesty 2024 has just started, and I really want to apply for it, but I have a company bounced cheque and personal credit card debt.
Is there any solution to avail of the amnesty and legalize my status? If yes, what is the step-by-step procedure?
Thank you to those who can enlighten me on this question, and God bless us all!
Sep 2, 2024
1022
How can I resolve a travel ban with an expired passport and a bounced check case? 1
Hello,
I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country.
Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work.
What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back?
Thank you!
Jun 28, 2024
192
I have an unpaid credit card in the UAE and I will be traveling to Qatar. Will I be arrested? 1
I have an unpaid credit card of approximately AED 45000 in the UAE.
I will be traveling to Qatar due to work.
Will I be arrested in Qatar?
Jun 21, 2024
174
I had a drug case against me and it has been closed. Can I get a new employment visa? 1
I have had a drug case against me recently and it has been closed. I have paid my fine and I am cleared from the travel ban.
I am still working with the same employer but I am thinking about changing jobs.
Will I be able to get a new employment visa and be hired in a new firm despite the record?
Mar 28, 2024
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I’m on overstay since a couple of months. Is it possible for me to get a visa with ongoing cases? 0
I’ve been on overstay for a couple of months.
Is it possible for me to get a visa with an ongoing criminal case, travel ban, and civil cases (judgments issued)?
If so, what would be the process?
Jun 2, 2025
7
Can an international supplier still sue me in 2025 for unpaid stock delivered in 2019? 0
Hello,
I own and run a company. We received stock from an international supplier in 2019. However, we were unable to pay due to financial circumstances.
The supplier is now threatening to file a civil case in 2025.
Is there a limitation period within which they can still pursue this debt?
Jun 2, 2025
24
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (3) 0
(COnt-2) Given the above, I kindly request your professional guidance on how to proceed legally to protect my friend's rights and ensure a safe and documented handover of company property.
(The laptop the lady sponsor is referring to is authorized by her to my friend when she joined the company on 15 December 2023)
Thank you for your support.
(Already our friend [----] has posted the same concern, but her complete message hasn't been delivered to this platform ) Therefore, I am resubmitting our concern; we just need the correct direction, please.
Thank you so much for your help!
May 30, 2025
12
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (2) 0
Cont-1) as outlined in the termination notice.
Following a recent threatening message from her sponsor, in which she mentioned filing a police complaint, she proactively contacted Dubai Police for guidance.
They advised her to visit Jebel Ali Police Station to report the matter and seek assistance regarding the harassment.
Our concern is that if she returns the laptop prematurely, her work may be deleted or altered, and this could negatively impact my End of Service Benefits (EOSB) and her professional record, as her sponsor has a pattern of making unfounded accusations.
Here is the most recent message my friend received from her: “Good morning. Hi, I urgently need my laptop and keys from the cabinet. Send me the location, I will send CAREEM. I need my laptop and keys from the cabinets immediately. If you do not send the location to pick up my stuff, I’m gonna go to the police. Sorry, but you must return my stuff. My business cannot operate properly without my computer.” (COnt-2)
May 30, 2025
11
Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (1) 0
Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer.
On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025.
Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date.
In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress.
To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)
May 30, 2025
13
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