Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allHow 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
315
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
61
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
168
Can a mother sue in the UAE to regain custody after her ex-husband took their child from Jordan?




1
Q: Hello,
I know a divorced couple where the mother holds custody of the child. They are both from Jordan. The father took the child and left to the UAE.
Can the mother file a lawsuit against the ex-husband in the UAE since he is there?





+2
Oct 29, 2024
129
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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
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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
3140
Joint Custody in the UAE Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims 1
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.
Sep 28, 2023
391
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
49113

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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
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Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
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After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
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What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
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What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
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My 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
40
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
48
Can my sister file a claim for compensation after a criminal case for sexual harassment? 0
Hello,
My sister filed a criminal case against her employer (sexual harassment), and it is already with the Public Prosecutor.
Her employer refuses to compensate her at all. Can we file a civil claim? When should we do it?
Can we still file a civil claim after the judgment of the case?
Apr 25, 2025
39
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟ 0
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟
Apr 25, 2025
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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
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How to transfer the shares of a company from his heirs to the partners? 0
A company is registered in a free zone (Dubai South) and had 4 shareholders.
But now one of them passed away and the successor is a very old lady, who is not cooperative and will not be able to sign any document at all (and she lives in another country).
We have no idea who will be a successor after this old lady and these people will in fact never be interested to do anything with this company.
The company is financed and managed by only one shareholder, who is willing to continue.
What can be done in this scenario to keep this company and continue operations?
How to transfer the shares of the deceased shareholder (buyout, shares transfer)?
Is there any court procedure where if no one claims their rights after some time, the shares will automatically be transferred to the company itself or the third parties?
Thank you.
A.
May 15, 2023
116
My flatmate took a video of my visitor in the toilet half naked without permission 1
My flatmate took a video of my visitor in the toilet half-naked without permission and shared it with another person, and accusing me of taking another nationality which is untrue.
What will be the cases to file a case?
May 12, 2023
248
Retrieving a passport from a car impounded for driving without a license 1
Hi sir,
I drive a car in Ajman without a license. On a visit visa those days, Ajman police caught me and I forgot my passport and other belongings in the car.
They impounded the car, so how can I get my passport back from the car?
My case is finished.
How do I get my passport back so I can apply for a visa and then a job?
Please suggest me.
Thanks!
May 2, 2023
137
What is the time limit to execute a judgment? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
Time limit to execute a judgment.
I won a court case about 5 years ago. I still did not register an execution lawsuit.
What is the maximum permitted time limit between the verdict and registration of the related execution lawsuit?
Apr 27, 2023
799
Getting a visit visa to the UAE if there is a pending loan 1
Dear sir/madam,
Would I get a visit visa to enter the UAE if I have a pending loan from a UAE bank?
Oct 31, 2022
582

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Is there hope for bail in a 25-year sentence for a minor drug charge? 1
Dear Lawyers,
My brother was sentenced to 25 years in jail for a minor drug case (1 gram) on October 24, 2024. Can he get bail?
What will happen next, and what can I do to help him get released?
Kindly advise!
Nov 12, 2024
190
If you had a case for defaulting on a loan and resolved it, how to clear it from the database? 0
Hello,
I have a question.
My husband had a loan 15 years ago, he had difficulty paying this loan, and the bank opened a case, which was solved, and he paid the full loan.
He is still in Dubai and has a good work position.
How is it possible to remove the solved bank case from the database to have the possibility of getting the credit card and loan?
Thank you.
Sep 16, 2024
108
How can I inform authorities I signed a police statement I didn't understand? 1
Good Day,
As someone unfamiliar with local laws and a non-Arabic speaker, the police took my statement but did not provide a translation and told me to sign. I have no idea what they wrote or presented in the case.
The case is now with the Public Prosecution. What should I do to ensure the authorities are aware of this?
Sep 5, 2024
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Can I bail my husband out if I'm a visitor and provide my passport? 1
Dear Lawyers,
My husband is under investigation, and I want to get him bailed out from detention.
However, I am a visitor. Can I get him bail by providing my passport?
Aug 29, 2024
127
How can I handle bounced cheque liability with my closed LLC company? 1
Dear Experts,
I had an LLC company in Dubai, and one of my suppliers filed a case against my company due to a bounced cheque. The cheque was signed by the former finance manager (who had POA just to sign the cheques).
Now, this supplier has made the employee a party in the case alongside the company and imposed a travel ban on the signatory (finance manager). My company has been closed for the past year.
I need your expert advice on this matter. First, I want to secure the release of my former employee, and then I need to know how to protect myself from this liability, as the company is closed and I do not have the funds to settle the liability.
Please Advise!
Aug 13, 2024
185

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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
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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
109
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
114
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
112
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
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I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
66
We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
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Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
The employee would meet clients and conduct business activities on the UAE mainland.
Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
Mar 19, 2025
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What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
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
105
What is the legal process of acquiring 50% ownership stake in a local company in Dubai? 0
A local company in Dubai intends to acquire a 50% ownership stake in an auto repair business currently owned by an individual (100%).
We are seeking professional legal advisory services to guide us through the acquisition process.
Apr 11, 2025
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