Table of Contents
- 1. Incomplete Documentation
- 2. Documents that are not attested or not verified
- 3. Errors in Application Forms
- 4. Past Marital Status Problems
- 5. Outstanding Legal or Immigration Problems
- 6. Availability of Court Appointment
- 7. Translation Requirements
- 8. Incongruent Personal Information
- 9. Further checks by the Government
- Delays in civil marriage applications: How to eliminate delays
- Civil marriage in the UAE: Legal Support of the Application
The civil marriage has turned out to be a very widely used alternative to the UAE couples, particularly expatriates and non-believers. Though the process is highly efficient, there may be delays in some applications because of the issues related to documentation, legal regulations or mistakes in the procedure. Knowledge of the prevalent reasons behind delays can also assist in making sure that the couple is ready to go to the registration of marriage and makes it more successful.
1. Incomplete Documentation
Lacking or imperfect documentation is one of the most prevalent reasons of postponements in civil marriage applications. The police are demanding special papers like passports, Emirates IDs (where necessary), divorce papers, or death certificates of ex-husbands or wives.
In case of any document that is not provided or is expired or improperly provided, the application can be delayed until the provision of the needed documents.
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2. Documents that are not attested or not verified
Some of the documents issued outside the UAE might have to be attested or legalized before they are accepted by the local authorities. As an illustration, the registration of divorce certificates or past marriage records might be required to be attested by the concerned authorities/embassies.
Failure to attest such documents properly may slow down the process of a civil marriage application.
3. Errors in Application Forms
Processing delays may come about due to wrong information in the application form. Errors in names, passport number or other personal information can necessitate amendments and the application can be processed.
The authorities might ask the application to be resubmitted in case discrepancies are discovered.
4. Past Marital Status Problems
The applicants who have been married before should show evidence of divorce or separation. In case the documentation of divorce is ambiguous, not legally accepted or an attestation is not registered, the authorities can put the marital application on hold until the matter is sorted out.
5. Outstanding Legal or Immigration Problems
In others, the registration of civil marriages can be postponed when one of the parties has some pending matters in the law or visa problem or lack of full residency documents. The marriage might be asked to be clarified before authorities accept it.
6. Availability of Court Appointment
In certain emirates, civil marriages have to be booked at a court. The number of available slots in the peak time can be scarce thus marrying might be postponed.
Such delays can be prevented by booking appointments early and planning them before hand.
7. Translation Requirements
Any documents written in other languages than Arabic or English might require translation by a professional legal translator. In the event that the translations are absent, or they are not duly certified, the application can be put on hold pending submission of the appropriate translations.
8. Incongruent Personal Information
The variations of names or personal information of a person in different documents may cast doubts in the course of verification. Indicatively, a discrepancy in the spelling of passports and other documents might need to be explained or repaired.
Such discrepancies can slack down the application review process.
9. Further checks by the Government
In other situations, the government might carry out further check to ascertain that all laws that define marriage have been fulfilled. This can be in form of a closer examination of the documents or seeking additional clarification by the applicants.
Despite such checks being routine, they can increase the processing time.
Delays in civil marriage applications: How to eliminate delays
To minimize the risk of inadequacy, couples can do the following steps:
- Make sure that all the necessary documents are ready beforehand.
- Always ensure that the documents that are issued in foreign countries are attested.
- Check and verify application forms.
- Make certified translations where applicable.
- Consult legal advice, and then make the application.
When the civil marriage application procedure is carried out correctly with professional legal help, it can be assumed that no undue inconveniences and delays will be observed.
Need Family Law Help?
Dubai's Expert Advice at Your Fingertips.
Civil marriage in the UAE: Legal Support of the Application
The procedure of applying to civil marriage in the UAE requires a number of legal prerequisites along with the presentation of documents that have been properly verified. A professional legal assistance may assist couples with going through the process in an organized and effective manner, preventing the pitfalls that may cause delays.
HHS Lawyers & Legal Consultants offers legal services to the civil marriage application, verification of documents and marriage application in the UAE. We also have a legal department that assists couples in doing the necessary paperwork properly and making sure that their applications meet the legal standards of the UAE. You can learn more about our legal services and practice areas and how our lawyers assist clients with legal documentation and family law procedures in the UAE.
