The UAE has a formalized legal procedure of divorce that is regulated by the federal family laws and the local court practices. Being a UAE citizen or an expatriate, you might want to know the steps to follow when filing for a divorce in the UAE, as it can help to minimize stress, time loss, and legal inconvenience.
This is a guide on how to divorce in the UAE, the important legal steps, the necessary documents, the timelines, and the considerations that expats and residents should make.
The divorce process in Dubai and the UAE as a whole relies on the nationality, religion, residence at the time of the marriage, and the presence of children. UAE courts permit non-Muslims and Muslims to divorce, and there are particular laws for each group.
The procedure has also become more transparent and available due to recent legal changes, with the possibility of online divorce filing in the UAE.
The court has to decide the law to apply before the filing.
Expat couples may choose:
The UAE Personal Status Law usually applies to Muslim couples, and non-Muslims may be subject to the civil family laws, which were established to apply to non-Muslim citizens.
This step is important to understand because it will influence the aspect of custody, alimony, and division of assets.
Application to the Family Guidance Section, UAE courts is the next step in the how to apply divorce in Dubai.
Many emirates now allow:
This has made the divorce process UAE family court much easier, particularly to expatriates.
UAE requires a compulsory stage of mediation during divorce.
In case of unsuccessful reconciliation, a referral letter is issued, which means that the divorce case can be taken to court.
After mediation, the formal court process starts.
Common documents include:
Proper documentation prevents the lag in the divorce process in the UAE.
In this stage, the judge is going to review evidence, hear arguments, and consider other issues associated with it, including:
The hearings will differ in number based on the complexity of the case and the cooperation between the parties.
As soon as the court makes a decision, a divorce judgment is issued.
The decision is legally binding after it is issued and it can be appealed.
Knowledge of the procedures of divorce in the UAE can assist parties to make wise decisions at each step.
Divorce in the UAE is multifaceted in legal, emotional, and procedural aspects. Learning the steps to follow to divorce in the UAE will help you to follow up with the requirements in court and defend your rights during the process. Consult qualified divorce lawyers in Dubai to get customized advice, legal assistance, and legal representation in the UAE family courts. RH & HALE , the top law firm in Dubai offers simple, sensitive legal support that ensures you go through the divorce process with a lot of confidence and understanding.