Q: Indian couple married under Hindu Marriage Act, living in Dubai, seek divorce in the UAE.

Q: Dear Team, I would like to know what might happen in the conciliatory procedure. I filed a divorce against my husband and I was called for an appointment. I assume it is for this procedure. Please advise. How can I draft a settlement agreement? How much possibly it might cost if I will consult a lawyer about this? Maybe you can refer me an adviser with regards to this concern that can charge me less. I am just a normal worker seeking justice for my child. Regards, G.

Q: Hello, I am an Indian Hindu expat residing in the UAE since 2009-12 & 2013 till date and married since 2009. I hold an employment visa and not dependent on my husband. I have been living separately from him since March 2018 to date and we both mutually want to divorce due to compatibility issues. We do not have children, assets or bank accounts or any liability as a couple. Please advise if we are to acquire a divorce in the UAE, will it be legit in our home country India? Are we to request for Indian Hindu laws/procedures for the divorce here?

Q: Hello Ma'am, My friend is living in Dubai with her husband and they are married for 11 years now. Both are Indian Hindus married in India. The husband wants to divorce my friend. She is financially fully dependent. The husband has filed for divorce in Dubai and they are called for first guidance meeting. The reason for divorce is nothing but incompatibility issues. The husband feels that the wife is not smart and educated enough as per his standards and since a long time is finding a reason to get part ways with her. He has been trying since long that she just leaves on her own and he would not have to do anything for her. When nothing else worked, he took this step. She is very naive. He wants her to sign the paper in the guidance office. The most important thing is that she has nowhere to go if this divorce happens. They have no kids. However, the way he is keeping her now and all these years, she is just happy to stay that way only and does not want to part ways with him. How can she avoid this divorce from happening?

Q: Good afternoon, I have an inquiry regarding the divorce procedures in the United Arab Emirates. Brief facts of my situation: I am a US citizen and have been married to a resident of the United Arab Emirates. He is originally from Syria and works in Abu Dhabi, UAE for approximately 40 years. We got married in 2014 in Abu Dhabi where I lived with my husband until 2019. I hoped to create a family with him but he was abusive and I decided to leave him. I came back to the United States on May 5, 2019, and have no intention to go back nor to stay in this marriage. My husband had been informed by me and my family that I want a divorce. I would like to get a divorce as soon as possible. We have no children nor property to share. I can provide all additional information upon further request. Please provide me with the approximate costs to prepare the necessary documents to file the paperwork and how long it will take to obtain a divorce.

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.