Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allExpatriates divorce in the UAE despite husband's refusal


2
Q: What should I do if my husband refused to divorce me in the UAE?
He used to say, for the past 7 months, that I have to wait until we go back to our home country; without proper maintenance or intimacy.



Feb 6, 2020
1148
Seeking the application of American law in a divorce case 

11
Q: My husband and I are both Americans. He wants to divorce in Abu Dhabi, but I don’t want to divorce in here because he is going to leave after divorce.
We have been married for 16 years and have a 14-year-old and 12-year-old boys. I want to divorce in America and he wants me to sign the divorce paper.
So, do I have the right to reject divorce in the UAE and only accept it in America?
Thank you!


Mar 20, 2018
8516
The rights and custody of a child when the father loses his job and leaves the UAE
7
Q: I am the father of a young child and his sponsor. Recently, I lost my employment in the UAE. I will soon need to leave the country back to my home country.
My ex-wife has full custody and resides on her own visa in the UAE. I have been paying monthly child maintenance and annual housing to my ex-wife despite the restriction she has been placing on my ability to see my child since the divorce several years ago and has neither seen him nor heard him for the past 6 months.
- How can I enforce my right to see my child once I leave the UAE?
- What are my obligations in regards to alimony payment once I leave the country (considering the current economic situation, I don't know how long I'll be unemployed for)?
- What are my obligations in regard to my child's visa sponsorship considering that I will soon be forced to cancel his visa?
- Is there any legal possibility for me to reclaim custody of my child?

Aug 26, 2020
1821
Can I file a case against my husband for maintenance and attend it online?



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
Can I file a case against my husband for maintenance and attend it online since I no longer reside in Dubai?




Aug 22, 2024
53
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allChoosing 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
2926
The Due Alimony for Wife And Children After Divorce 19
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.
Jul 13, 2019
17926
Custody & Guardianship in the UAE 4
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.
May 6, 2021
3104
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
49089

Premium
Other answers by
940 940 answers •
View allWhat can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
20
What can you do if you lost your job and still have outstanding loan and credit card balance to pay? 0
Hi,
I have a friend who lost his job in the UAE, but he still has a loan and a credit card outstanding balance to pay.
He is asking for advice on what to do now.
Apr 17, 2025
18
I applied for immigration to Canada via an agency in Dubai without any progress. Can I claim refund? 0
I'm looking for advice- I had applied for immigration service to Canada via an agency in Dubai, however, it's been a few months and there is no positive reply from their end.
They keep giving evasive answers, such as my job role is not coming up, or the Government has put the applications on hold, or other things which are totally different from the picture painted before availing their service.
The contract mentions this about refund: "The company is eligible to provide a refund if any wrong information is provided during our advocacy while discussing the case with the consultant."
My Question is- are such immigration consultancies legal in the UAE?
Is it legal for them to provide such services?
And am I eligible for a refund if not for damage claims (for wasting my time with their inefficient services)?
Apr 17, 2025
12
How to cancel a partner visa if the company is blocked and banned? 0
Hello,
How to cancel a partner visa if the company is blocked and banned?
Apr 17, 2025
6
Bought a used car with a tampered odometer. What legal steps can I take now? 0
Hello,
Two days ago, I bought a used car. But yesterday, I found out that there has been major tampering with the odometer.
I have all the necessary proof to provide. Where do I move forward from this?
Apr 17, 2025
17

Premium
Other answers by
1298 1298 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
What can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
20
What can you do if you lost your job and still have outstanding loan and credit card balance to pay? 0
Hi,
I have a friend who lost his job in the UAE, but he still has a loan and a credit card outstanding balance to pay.
He is asking for advice on what to do now.
Apr 17, 2025
18
I applied for immigration to Canada via an agency in Dubai without any progress. Can I claim refund? 0
I'm looking for advice- I had applied for immigration service to Canada via an agency in Dubai, however, it's been a few months and there is no positive reply from their end.
They keep giving evasive answers, such as my job role is not coming up, or the Government has put the applications on hold, or other things which are totally different from the picture painted before availing their service.
The contract mentions this about refund: "The company is eligible to provide a refund if any wrong information is provided during our advocacy while discussing the case with the consultant."
My Question is- are such immigration consultancies legal in the UAE?
Is it legal for them to provide such services?
And am I eligible for a refund if not for damage claims (for wasting my time with their inefficient services)?
Apr 17, 2025
12
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49

Other answers by
146 146 answers •
View allWhat can I do if my tenant moved out without notice after serving him rent increase notice? 0
I own a property in Dubai and we issued a 90-day notice to the tenant to advise of the rent increase.
The tenant accepted and confirmed they would be renewing the tenancy agreement.
Before they signed the new tenancy agreement they moved out without giving any notice.
What are my rights in this scenario?
Aug 28, 2024
92
Will my fees be refunded if I close a cheque execution case that I opened against someone? 0
Dear Lawyers,
If I want to close a cheque execution case that I opened against someone, will my fees be refunded to me?
Aug 12, 2024
147
As a partner who loaned money to the company, should I sue the company or my partner? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I am a 50% partner in a company. I had given a 2M AED loan to the company about 10 years ago. There are expert reports and bank records to prove the loan.
The company does not have any bank balances or assets. Should I start a lawsuit against the company and demand 2M AED, or should I start a lawsuit against the other 50% partner and demand 1M AED?
One benefit of suing the company is that I can obtain an acknowledgment of debt, and later in an execution case, I can issue a certificate of solvency to have the other partner arrested.
However, suing the other 50% partner directly would include their name in the executive writ. Please guide me!
(I believe all necessary legal information is provided here. If something is missing, I can provide additional details here.)
Aug 14, 2024
118
How can I withdraw my case to release someone arrested for harassment? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I want to withdraw a case against someone who harassed me. She has now been arrested and held at the police station for 4 days.
How can I withdraw the case so she can be released?
Jun 29, 2024
316
What happens next after a DUI arrest and vehicle impound? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I was caught drinking and driving (no accident). They held me in prison for one day, then I signed some papers and they released me.
They also gave me a vehicle impound paper and asked me to come on Monday with my car registration and license.
Do you have any information on what will happen next?
Jul 23, 2024
158

Premium
Other answers by
186 186 answers •
View allI secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired.
Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened.
Please advise
Apr 9, 2025
108
What can I do with the contractor I paid to build my house and disappeared before completion? 0
Hey,
I'm building my house in Dubai, and it was going well.
I gave the contractor 420k as a first payment, and we both agreed that the rest would be in installments. Just two months ago, the contractor went off the grid, and I can't find him.
All I have is a security cheque that bounced back when I went to the bank, as the signature doesn't match what's in the file.
However, I learnt that he does have money, but not the amount that's in the cheque.
What should I do now to get my money back?
I need advice.
Apr 8, 2025
109
Transferred within the same UAE group. What happens to my benefits and allowances? 0
Hello,
I was an employee of a major group in the UAE. Now, they have transferred me to another entity within the same group in the UAE.
What happens to the benefits and allowances agreed upon by the first entity?
Please provide the legal details related to this matter, along with the relevant statutory provisions.
Mar 7, 2025
80
How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Mar 7, 2025
90
Juvenile case withdrawn, but the prosecution refuses to drop it. What happens next? 0
Hello,
A juvenile case has been withdrawn by a third party, but the prosecution doesn’t want to end it.
The child is out on bail. Now the case has moved to court.
What steps should be taken next, or how will they handle it?
Feb 26, 2025
62

Premium
Other answers by
704 704 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
85
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
71

Premium
Other answers by
204 204 answers •
View allIn an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay, on the RDC app or directly to the landlord? 0
Hi
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay?
1. On the RDC app or directly to the landlord?
2. I will pay today 1/3 of the outstanding, can I apply for a payment plan and how shall I do this?
Please advise.
Also, what will it cost me to get assistance in this process?
Thank you
Mar 17, 2025
98
How can I check if I have a complaint or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a station? 0
Hello,
How can I know if I have any complaints or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a police station?
Mar 17, 2025
115
Can I amend my claim amount after filing a labor case? 0
Hello,
What is the process for filing a labor case? Is there a fee to file?
If, after filing, the claim amount changes because I haven't been paid additional dues, how is that amended?
Mar 13, 2025
62
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 0
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
86
Is the employee responsible for the expenses of changing his visa status from tourist to employment? 0
My friend is currently in the UAE on a visit visa and has received a job offer from a company.
However, the employer is asking him to pay for the visa status change from a visit/tourist visa to an employment visa since he is inside the country.
According to UAE labor law, who is responsible for covering these charges—the employee or the employer?
Mar 19, 2025
53

Premium
Other answers by
718 718 answers •
View allIs it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract? 0
Hello,
Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?
Mar 19, 2025
88
Can the owner of a company escape if there is a cheque execution and travel ban on him? 0
I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying.
The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire.
Does he have any option to avoid payment?
Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses.
Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE.
Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment.
Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money?
Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?
Mar 12, 2025
100
In EMARATAX, must two licenses for the same activity in different emirates register separately? 0
Hello,
In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?
Mar 2, 2025
77
Can a developer demand extra payment for a 30% size increase after handover? 0
Hello,
I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed.
After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms.
To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size.
Key issues:
- Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area.
- The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover.
- The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment.
I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.
Mar 12, 2025
66
How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Mar 7, 2025
90

Premium
Other answers by
830 830 answers •
View allMy tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
25
Do smart police stations in Dubai override official filing hours for legal deadlines? 0
Dear Lawyers,
The case needs to be filed during official working hours, on a subsequent working day (if the last day falls on an official holiday), in Dubai.
With Smart Police Stations operating 24/7, how are these situations considered?
Should the case be filed during working hours, say before 3 PM, etc.?
Apr 16, 2025
19
How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
B.
Apr 16, 2025
35
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court? 0
Hello,
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?
Apr 16, 2025
45
Can I use my husband's case number to get information about his exit date? 0
Hello,
I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number?
Fujairah Jail.
Apr 16, 2025
20
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer