Questions & Answers
Will I get custody of my twins, and what support can I expect from my husband after divorce?
Dear Lawyers,
I am a teacher earning in Dubai. My husband plans to divorce me, and I have two kids who are 10 months old. He also plans to fight for their custody.
Will I get custody of my kids?
What amount will I receive from him to cover my and my kids' expenses?

Custody of the children will be with you according to the law.
Contact us by phone number: [---------] so we can help you.
Dear Questioner,
We can claim the custody of the kids. The court will consider our request according to the age of the children.
Custody based on the children's age is your legal right.
For assistance, please contact us via phone or WhatsApp at [---------].
Dear Questioner,
In the UAE, custody of young children typically goes to the mother, especially for children of such a young age as yours (10 months old).
This is based on the principle that the mother is considered the primary caregiver, particularly during the child's early years.
Under the UAE Personal Status Law, this arrangement usually continues until the boy reaches the age of 11 and the girl is 13. The amount of financial support will depend on factors like:
- Your husband's income and financial status.
- The expenses required to maintain the children's welfare.
- Your financial needs, especially if your earnings as a teacher are not enough to cover your living expenses and those of the children.
Greetings,
You can obtain custody based on the child's age, and the expenses will be determined according to the provider's wealth.
His employer will be contacted to report his salary, and based on that, the child's expenses will be calculated.
We are honored to provide you with legal support.
For further inquiries about your topic, you can come to our office or contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email at: [--------].
Dear Inquirer,
We are pleased to serve you and address your inquiries.
The United Arab Emirates allows litigants to rely on their personal laws in this regard.
If anything else is required, don’t hesitate to contact us via email or call our offices in Dubai or Sharjah.
Jasim Al Haddad Advocates & Legal Consultants
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out, and I understand how difficult this situation must be for you.
Under UAE law, especially in matters of custody, the welfare of the children is the court's primary concern.
Typically, in cases where the children are very young—such as your 10-month-old—the mother is usually favored for custody unless there are serious reasons against it.
However, many factors, including the specifics of your personal circumstances and your husband’s claims, will be considered by the court.
Regarding financial support, the amount of maintenance (nafqa) you and your children may receive from your husband depends on his financial capacity and your living expenses, as well as what is necessary for your children’s education, healthcare, and general well-being.
This can be negotiated or decided by the court based on your case.
I recommend we discuss the details of your case further to provide more tailored advice and ensure you are well-prepared to protect your rights and your children’s well-being.
Feel free to reach out to me via email, WhatsApp, or phone at [-------] so we can talk in more detail.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana

Dear Questioner,
In UAE law, matters related to divorce and child custody are generally governed by Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status (UAE Personal Status Law).
Here’s an overview of your rights regarding child custody and financial support:
1. Child Custody:
- Custody for Mothers:
Under UAE law, mothers typically have the right to custody of young children, especially those under the age of 11 for boys and 13 for girls.
Since your children are only 10 months old, it is highly likely that you will be awarded custody.
- Custody vs. Guardianship:
It's important to note that custody (day-to-day care) and guardianship (legal decision-making, including financial matters and education) are different.
Fathers often retain guardianship rights even if the mother is awarded custody.
2. Child Custody and Islamic Law:
- Muslims:
If your family is Muslim, Islamic Sharia principles will apply, and in many cases, mothers retain custody of the children, especially when they are very young, unless there are significant reasons to deprive the mother of custody (e.g., negligence or inability to care for the children).
- Non-Muslims:
If you are non-Muslim, you may request that the laws of your home country apply in court, but the final decision will rest with the UAE court.
3. Financial Support (Alimony and Child Support):
- Child Support:
Fathers are responsible for covering the financial needs of the children, including housing, food, education, and medical care.
You are entitled to claim child support from your husband for the upbringing of your children. The amount will depend on his income and the standard of living you and your children are accustomed to.
- Spousal Support:
You may also claim alimony for yourself, but this will depend on factors such as the duration of the marriage, your financial situation, and the lifestyle you maintained during the marriage.
- Amount of Support:
While there is no fixed amount, courts usually determine support payments based on the father's financial capability and the family's lifestyle. It is common for courts to review the father's income, including his salary, assets, and other financial commitments.
4. Court Proceedings:
You can file for custody and financial support through the Personal Status Court in Dubai.
If you are unable to agree on the amount of financial support with your husband, the court will intervene and set a reasonable amount based on the above factors.
5. Next Steps:
It is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in family law to assist with your case. They will guide you through the process, help with the required documentation, and ensure your rights, as well as those of your children, are protected.
Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance or further clarification!
Best regards,
Omar Mosaad
Dear Questioner,
Regarding your concerns about custody and financial support following your husband's decision to pursue a divorce, here are some points to consider in accordance with UAE law:
- Custody of Children:
Under UAE law, the primary consideration in custody cases is the best interest of the children.
For children under the age of 11, mothers generally have a stronger claim for custody, especially if they are the primary caregivers.
Factors such as the children's well-being, stability, and environment will play a crucial role in the court's decision. It's important to gather evidence of your active involvement in their upbringing to support your case.
- Child Support and Expenses:
The law also mandates that a non-custodial parent must provide financial support for their children.
The amount of child support can vary based on several factors, including the income of the parents, the needs of the children, and the cost of living.
- Spousal Support:
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be entitled to spousal support for a specific duration.
I recommend that you consult with a family law attorney who specializes in UAE family law to better understand your rights and to prepare your case effectively.
It would also be beneficial to gather any relevant financial documents, evidence of your involvement with the children, and any personal circumstances that could support your case for custody.
You can contact us via phone or email for legal advice and legal support.

Dear Inquirer,
- Custody of Children:
In the UAE, mothers generally have a strong right to custody of children under the age of 11.
Since your children are only 10 months old, it's likely you would be granted custody, especially if you can demonstrate that it is in the best interests of the children. However, the father can seek visitation rights.
- Financial Support:
The court typically determines alimony (spousal support) and child support based on the financial needs of the mother and children, as well as the father's financial capacity.
The exact amount can vary widely, but you may receive a percentage of his income or a fixed monthly amount. It is best to have a lawyer present to prevent any risks that may occur
If you need further clarification, you can contact us.