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?

Q: Can anyone explain the latest divorce law in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslims?

Q: Hi, I am an Indian national and coming to the UAE to get settled with my boyfriend. I and my husband are currently living in the UK. But we want a divorce. My husband will stay here in the UK after I move to Dubai. Is there any way I can apply for a divorce in the UAE if my husband is not in the UAE?

Q: Hello, Both my (now) ex-wife and I are Americans and non-Muslims living in Abu Dhabi. We are going through a divorce in the Abu Dhabi Family Court. My ex-wife is suing me for a (very large) financial support package, and I am being asked to disclose my personal financial information. Two questions: 1. Do the courts have any jurisdiction over the USD assets I hold in the USA? 2. Am I required to reveal any information about my company, which is an independent legal entity based in the USA? Thank you!

Joint Custody in UAE Law Article 10 of the Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims shines a spotlight on the significance of Shared custody following divorce. This article recognizes joint and equal custody as a right for both the father and mother post-separation or divorce.

An interview-format article covering the topic of custody and guardianship in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

There are rights and obligations for both parties of the marriage contract arise as a result of divorce, which often disputed by the spouses. Here we will explain the due alimony and its types for the wife (divorced - widow) and children after divorce in accordance with the UAE Personal Status Law, Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 and its explanatory memorandum.

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.