Q: Hi Hari, I have just gone through a divorce and my ex-wife has filed for execution. The document received from the court states to pay accommodation money full in advance, is this normal? She forwarded me the document and I haven't received anything directly from the court. I have only been informed prior to two days before the execution date. Which leaves me without any option as the letter states failure to pay court can take legal action. The document only speaks about one-time payment and does not include any monthly payments that need to be made for children's maintenance, electricity bill or school fees. My next question is that if she takes the full amount of accommodation money and stays with her family, is that legal? As it impacts the quality of life of my children plus the amount ordered by the court for accommodation is used for personal enjoyment or expenses. What legal options I do have? Regards, M.

Q: My ex-wife had opened an execution file against me last year for non-payment of outstanding dues. I am now in the process of paying off the total outstanding balance. I would like to know: 1- Once the balance is cleared, is the execution file closed forever or can be re-opened? (assuming nothing in the divorce judgment is violated). 2- Can she reopen the execution file at a later stage to financially harass me; disputing something in the execution file not being calculated correctly? 3) Can the execution judge force a settlement if she is not being cooperative? 4) What are my options if she refuses to give me her passport for canceling her visa and force me to sponsor her? 5) She is unemployed and custodian of our daughter, I am financially supporting our child. If she decides to leave Dubai claiming that she will move abroad to her family for a better future of the kid (5 years old), is it possible even if I do not agree (as I won't be able to bond with her)? Thanks!

Q: I'm an Australian non-Muslim expat resident for 10 years. My wife is the same, as are our three children, ages 19,16 (girls) and 11 (boy). I have opened a case for divorce in Australia, and the hearing is in November. My wife wants to take me to court in the UAE regarding child maintenance. I currently pay 35% of my monthly salary to my wife for child support. She wants more. I am due to leave the country next July permanently. If she opens a court case, will that stop me from leaving? Has she got a case for more money?

Q: Dear Lawyers, In the post-divorce financial order, at the end of the form, there is an "Order Sought" section with some options: - Lump sum (what does that mean?) - Alimony order (does that mean support for the ex-wife only?) - Interim alimony (what does that mean?) Thanks in advance!

Q: Our divorce was processed in Dubai Courts and the case status shows "Decided". Does it mean that our divorce has been granted and that our marriage contract under Dubai Personal Status Courts is now nullified automatically? Do we need to do any process to obtain documents to guarantee the divorce?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I submitted a claim for an interim order requesting financial support while the "post-divorce financial order" is still being processed. The judge responded within a day but approved only 10% of the amount I requested. Could you clarify the basis for this decision? Additionally, what steps should I take now to proceed with execution, and how can I seek further support?

Many people opt to go for litigation without hiring a legal professional, mainly because they can't afford it. This article provides a brief summary of the steps and procedures of litigation. As the process itself can be confusing to many, even after getting a favorable judgment, we present some tips to help them execute judgments issued by the court and get their rights if an amicable solution has not been reached.

The law promulgates UAE Civil Procedures Code (Civil Procedure Law) which governs civil procedures in the United Arab Emirates, including the prosecution before the courts, litigation and execution.

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.