Family Law
Sensitive, discreet counsel on marriage, divorce, and custody matters.
Family matters are rarely just legal — they're personal, and often urgent. We handle divorce, custody, and inheritance matters for both Muslim and non-Muslim clients, guiding them through the UAE's civil and Sharia-law court routes with the discretion these matters deserve.
Because the same matter can move through more than one legal system — a Muslim inheritance dispute governed by Sharia principles, or a Western expatriate divorce that can elect to apply home-country law under the UAE's Personal Status Law — choosing the right forum from the outset matters as much as the arguments made once you're there. We help clients understand which route applies to them and represent them consistently through it.
What We Handle
- Divorce & separation (civil and Sharia-law routes)
- Child custody & guardianship arrangements
- Marital & prenuptial agreements
- Wills, inheritance & succession planning (incl. DIFC Wills)
- Child relocation & travel consent matters
- Mediation & amicable settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Can non-Muslim expatriates apply their home country's law to a divorce in the UAE?
Yes — under the UAE's Personal Status Law for non-Muslims, expatriates can elect to apply the law of their home country (or UAE law) to matters like divorce and custody, provided that law is properly proven before the court. We advise on which election gives you the stronger position.
02 Who gets custody of children in a UAE divorce?
UAE courts generally distinguish between "custody" (day-to-day care, often with the mother while children are young) and "guardianship" (legal decision-making, often retained by the father), though outcomes turn on the child's best interests and, for non-Muslims, the elected personal status law. We build the evidence a court needs to support your position.
03 Do I need a DIFC will if I already have a will in my home country?
A foreign will can be recognised in the UAE but often requires lengthy attestation and translation, and doesn't always cover UAE-based assets clearly. A DIFC Wills Service Centre will is registered locally, drafted in English, and gives faster certainty over UAE assets and guardianship of minor children.
Discuss your matter with us
Book a consultation and speak with our team directly.