Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allWhat law can I seek to apply for non-Muslim divorce and alimony in the UAE?


2
Q: Does Dubai follow the federal decree law no. (41) of 2022 for divorce?
I am a non-Muslim Filipino and have been separated from my estranged wife for almost 6 years now.
In case Dubai does not follow this new law for divorce, can I file the divorce in Abu Dhabi even if I am a Dubai resident?
Will I have to pay alimony?



Dec 22, 2023
192
Can 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
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
How can I file for divorce in the UAE as an Indian Christian with a son, and ensure custody?




1
Q: Hi, good morning,
I’m an Indian residing in the UAE and want to apply for a divorce. My husband and I have been living separately for more than 3 years, and he has been living in India since our separation.
We are both Indians and Christians (non-Muslims). We have a son who is 8 years old now. Can you please let me know the divorce procedure if we want to proceed in the UAE, both with and without mutual consent?
Additionally, please advise on how to proceed with custody, as my son currently resides with me.
Thank you!





+2
Aug 28, 2024
189
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
2978
Personal 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
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

Premium
Other answers by
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
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
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
24
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
16
Can I challenge my child's custody again after losing the first trial and appeal? 0
Hello,
Is it possible to try again to challenge my child's custody even if I lost in the first trial and appeal?
May 29, 2025
18

Premium
Other answers by
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.
Now I wanted to use it, so I called them last Saturday, 31st May 2025, and they told me it has already expired due to the new policy.
Can I still claim and ask for my money back?
Jun 2, 2025
10
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
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
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
16
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
24

Premium
Other answers by
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
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
25
Can I appeal a deportation in the UAE if I was unknowingly involved in a crypto scam? 0
Hello,
Please, I need help. I had a case where someone sent money to my account. I was selling USDT, but another person used me, scammed the person, and sent money to my account.
I sent the USDT. I didn't know the person who sent the money to my account, so I gave him the USDT. Later, I was arrested for scam and using cryptocurrency without a license.
The judgment came out: to pay 900 AED, 1 month imprisonment, and deportation. Please, can I appeal not to be deported?
May 20, 2025
48
Can I ask the execution court to request MOHRE to seize the labour card of a debtor? 0
Hello,
Seizure of MOHRE Labour Card by Dubai Execution Court
I am an execution requester. My execution debtor has not paid me for the last 12 years after starting the execution file.
Can I request the execution court to write a letter to MOHRE, obliging them to seize the labour card of the debtor?
If yes, from when was this procedure permitted?
May 21, 2025
32

Other answers by
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
104
What to do if you get terminated and denied gratuity for a minor mistake? 0
My brother has been working for a company for 11 years. In the last 3 weeks, he had an incident/accident and scratched a plane since he only had 1 person to assist him as the company was not hiring enough people.
Senior staff like him are working more to train inexperienced new hires which adds to their workload working almost 12 hours/day including travel to DWC.
The pilot said it was aesthetic and could be painted over but a police investigation ensued. Last week 3 managers and HR talked him down as the investigation concluded.
He was terminated immediately with only this month's pay and his 11-year gratuity will not be given by the company. It was not gross negligence or malicious intent, he just didn’t have enough people to help him.
He owned up to the mistake and reported the incident within 24 hours. Can he fight for the gratuity?
Jan 13, 2025
136
How can a person under a deportation grant a POA to a trusted person for managing his assets? 1
A person currently under a deportation order wishes to appoint a trusted person with Power of Attorney (POA) to manage their financial and legal matters, including access to their bank account and other obligations.
What is the process for obtaining and registering a POA in this situation?
Can it be done while they are still in custody, and what steps should they follow to ensure?
Please help.
Jan 14, 2025
141
Will the court unfreeze my account automatically after alimony payment? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Dubai Court has frozen my bank account because I was late on an alimony payment. The money was automatically deducted from my salary this month.
Will the court automatically unfreeze the account once this is done, or will I need to petition the court to issue an order to unfreeze it?
Jan 7, 2025
138
What is the process of renewing the visa while a criminal case is still ongoing? 0
What is the process of renewing the visa while a criminal case is still ongoing?
I got first instance court judgment in my favor and was declared innocent, however, the prosecution filed the appeal.
My residence visa is due for renewal next week. Can I process my renewal or it is blocked till the time this case is over?
Jan 10, 2025
396

Other answers by
My landlord increased my rent more than RERA Index and refused my offer and deposit. What to do? 0
Good morning,
My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused.
On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000.
My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract.
Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment.
My question:
Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case?
Or just wait and see?
Thank you for your assistance.
Nov 14, 2024
193
The landlord insists on increasing the rent more than RERA Index. What can I do? 0
Hi everyone,
I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice.
I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22.
The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area.
I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive.
To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond.
My question is: what should I do next?
Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now.
Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?
Nov 14, 2024
479
Is it mandatory for a self-represented applicant to sign the memorandum of defense in a civil dispute? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai?
If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature?
Thank you!
Oct 14, 2024
100
Can an innocent person's name be dropped during the investigation before court referral? 1
Hello Experts!
Kindly assist with the below:
In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court?
Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?
Oct 15, 2024
160
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?
Oct 14, 2024
214

Premium
Other answers by
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
16
Can a lawyer with an expired professional license still represent me in court? 0
Hello,
I have given a POA to a lawyer to fight my case, but now I got to know his professional license expired 20 days ago.
Is it allowed for him to represent me in court with an expired license?
May 27, 2025
24
How can I clear an absconding case and claim my settlement after jail time? 0
Sir,
I was in jail for 2 months in a drugs case, and then my company filed an absconding case against me.
Now they are not removing the absconding case and are not ready to give me the settlement money.
What do I have to do?
May 9, 2025
40
Can we legally claim unpaid dues for food supplies based on emails and invoices? 0
Hello,
We have an agreement with a company to supply food for their buffet on a daily basis, with invoices to be issued monthly and payment to be made every three months.
The relationship actually lasted for nine months, and payment was made for two periods. In the third period, due to disagreements between our company and the company to which the supply was made, they refused to pay, noting that the outstanding amount so far is fifty-four thousand dirhams.
Can we claim the amount, noting that the agreement is not written, but there are emails exchanged between us and invoices?
May 7, 2025
31
How long does Dubai Court take to seize the amount and lift my travel ban? 0
Hello,
How much time does Dubai Court usually take to seize the amount from the bank to release my travel ban?
May 3, 2025
58

Premium
Other answers by
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
How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
38
How can my kids learn about their father's condition without contacting his family? 0
Good morning,
I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years.
The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids.
How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation?
My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response.
Please advise!
May 29, 2025
15
Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
13
Tenant demanding more than RDC verdict. Must I pay before the execution file is issued? 0
Good day,
I am a landlord, and my tenant filed a case with the RDC. The verdict was in his favor, and I am to pay the financial claim, which is the fees and expenses of the case.
The tenant asked for a specific amount, which is higher than the official receipt that the RDC provided. So, I have paid that exact amount directly to the tenant.
Naturally, the tenant asked for more. May I ask for guidance regarding the procedure?
It has not been 15 days since the verdict, so I have been told by the RDC that the case is not final, and I must wait for the execution file to determine the exact amount.
While I am happy to wait for that, my tenant has been threatening to open an execution file if I do not pay before the 15th day. She mentioned a travel ban as well. I feel lost and uncomfortable with the situation.
Please help me understand the procedure.
May 29, 2025
15

Premium
Other answers by
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
16
If the company loses my passport, what can I do? 0
Hello,
If the company loses my passport, what can I do?
May 28, 2025
19
What can I do if I am not satisfied with a lawyer to represent me in a malpractice case? 0
I have a malpractice case ongoing against me and my hospital, with an appeal pending at the Court of Cassation.
A lawyer was hired by the malpractice insurance company, who is following up on the case.
However, I am not satisfied with the present lawyer and want to hire a personal lawyer on my side.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?
May 15, 2025
48
After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
34
I sent the landlord a notice to renew the lease 90 days earlier as per the contract. Can I change my mind if he didn't respond? 0
I live in Dubai and I have a one-year rental contract with my landlord. According to the agreement, I must tell the landlord at least 90 days before the contract ends whether I want to renew it or leave.
I followed the rule and sent them an email before the 90-day deadline, saying that I want to renew. They replied and said okay, and they asked me to send the new contract so they could sign it.
I prepared the new contract (with the rent price fixed according to RERA rules) and sent it to them about two weeks ago. But since then, they haven’t replied or signed the contract.
I think maybe they are waiting to see if someone else will offer more money to rent the apartment, so they are delaying their response.
Now I am wondering: if they finally send back the signed contract after a long delay—let’s say in one more week—and by that time I’ve changed my mind (for example, I found a better apartment or I’m leaving the country), am I legally required to continue with this landlord?
May 5, 2025
39

Premium
Other answers by
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.
Now I wanted to use it, so I called them last Saturday, 31st May 2025, and they told me it has already expired due to the new policy.
Can I still claim and ask for my money back?
Jun 2, 2025
10
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
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
24
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
16
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