Family Lawyers in Dubai
Need Legal Help with Divorce, Child Custody, or a Family Dispute in Dubai?
The family law cases are one of the most emotional and complicated courts that any person can ever encounter. Regardless of whether you want to divorce, have children custody, alimony, domestic violence, guardianship, or inheritance, it is very important to be accompanied by an experienced and trustworthy family attorney in Dubai to guide you throughout the process.
Our family and divorce attorneys in Dubai at HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants have been representing Muslims and non-Muslim expatriates and nationals of the UAE in all the Emirates. An integrated approach of legal knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy is used by us to defend your rights and get the most desirable result.
How We Help You with your Family.
- Secrecy-legal advice of the initial consultation to assist you in knowing your rights, duties and possible legal assistance provided by the UAE law.
- Get straight instructions to follow at any point before a court or Family Guidance Committee to ensure you do not make procedural errors.
- Such delicate issues like divorce, child custody, maintenance, and guardianship, dealt with tactfully and delicately.
- The legal solutions based on your own situation, considering the nationality, religion and the legal framework that applies in the UAE.
- Servers throughout the Emirates, making sure your family law business is continually served and continued with due care wherever it may be.
Who We Serve Expats and UAE Nationals.
The UAE family lawyers represent and advise our clients:
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Expatriates and the UAE nationals.
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Muslim and non-Muslim families.
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Husbands, wives, parents and guardians.
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Professionals and High-net-worth individuals.
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Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE clients.
Get Guidance on Your Family Law Matter
In the UAE, the law determining family matters is a mixture of Sharia Law, UAE Personal Status Law, and the Civil Law depending on the nationality and religion. Before we move on it will be our lawyers who thoroughly examine which legal framework will apply to your case.
Simplification of Family
Basically, a family starts with marriage. Out of the love between two people, a union can form that is supposed to last for as long as they are alive. From there, children can spring forth that will form a group of people that has a level of relationship that is very personal since they are all related by blood.
Family Structures:
Nuclear Family
This the most common type of a family structure. This is a kind of family that is composed of two parents and children. This is believed as a family structure that greatly helps children to be more stable and receive more opportunities because of the financial capability that two parents can offer.
Single Parent Family
This is kind of family structure wherein there is only one parent compared to the common culture of having two. This single parent raises a child or more on their own. Single parents are more frequently single mothers but there are also single fathers. It is believed that having a single parent in a household can only give fewer opportunities to children unlike the first kind of family structure.
Extended Family
The extended family structure is a regular arrangement in some countries because of closed blood ties and culture. This kind of family is composed of parents, children, and uncles, aunties, cousins, and grandparents either from one side or both. The members of this family have duties to keep, such as raising children and doing household chores. They can also be formed because of some difficulties like financial or personal problems that include being too ill or old to take care of themselves.
Childless Family
Although the family is basically perceived as parents and children grouped in a household, there are families that do not have any children. These people either cannot have children because of health reasons or they choose to not have children just yet or for as long as they are together. Because of this, there are married couples who choose to buy pets and spend more time with their nieces and nephews or their friends’ children as to seemingly substitute the fact that they do not have children.
Family Laws in UAE that we deal with.
Our family law practice includes the entire gamut of family related legal matters, such as:
Here is the updated content, professionally organized and formatted for your WordPress FAQ accordion. This version incorporates the latest 2025/2026 legal reforms (including the landmark Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024) to ensure your readers have the most accurate and current information.
Divorce & Separation: UAE Citizens and Expatriates
- Muslim & Non-Muslim Divorce: Non-Muslims can now utilize the Civil Personal Status Law (No. 41 of 2022) for a “no-fault” divorce, while Muslim proceedings follow the updated 2024 Personal Status Law.
- Mutual vs. Contested: We facilitate swift mutual divorces through amicable settlement or provide aggressive representation in high-conflict court litigation.
- Mediation: We guide clients through the mandatory Family Guidance process to reach settlements without the need for trial.
Child Custody & Visitation Rights
- Custody Disputes: Under 2026 standards, the mother remains the primary Custodian, but custody now lasts until the child is 18 years old (removing the previous 11/13 age limit).
- Joint Custody: For non-Muslims, equal joint custody is the legal default to ensure both parents remain active in the child’s life.
- Relocation & Travel: We manage cases involving child relocation and “travel bans” to prevent unauthorized removal of children from the UAE.
Alimony, Maintenance, and Financial Support
- Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): Calculation of support for the wife during marriage and the Iddah period. For non-Muslims, the court has broad discretion based on the length of marriage and financial status.
- Child Support: This covers housing, education (school fees), medical care, and daily expenses. We assist in filing for the imposition or adjustment of support orders as financial circumstances change.
- Interim Orders: We can secure urgent “temporary maintenance” orders to provide immediate financial relief while a case is pending.
Protection Orders & Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Violence Cases: Filing for urgent Protection Orders or restraining orders through the UAE courts.
- False Accusations: We provide defense against unjustified or malicious accusations of abuse to protect your reputation and parental rights.
Guardianship & Parental Rights
- Installing/Ousting Guardians: Handling cases where a guardian (usually the father) is deemed unfit or unable to fulfill their duties.
- Minors & Incapacitated Persons: Establishing legal guardianship for those who cannot manage their own affairs due to age or disability.
Inheritance & Family Estate Disputes
- Inheritance Claims: Managing the distribution of assets for both Sharia-compliant estates and non-Muslim Civil Wills.
- Succession Quarrels: Resolving disputes among heirs and ensuring the legal execution of wills.
- DIFC & ADGM Wills: Registration of common-law wills for expatriates to ensure their assets are distributed exactly according to their wishes.
Understand How UAE Family Law Applies to You
Best Divorce Lawyers & Top Child Custody Lawyers in UAE
HHS Lawyers & Legal Consultants is a team of divorce lawyer UAE that can help you with the procedures on how to make it work between you and your partner or process your divorce if you have both made up your mind. Because Sharia Law is the foundation of the laws in the UAE, there are certain regulations that should be followed and having one of the best divorce lawyers Dubai can ensure that you will have an amicable settlement.
With the aid of a divorce lawyer, both parties can cooperate and collaborate on this matter, making an agreement. There will even be fewer issues, and the costs will be less expensive using this method. We have divorce lawyers Dubai, family lawyers in Abu Dhabi, and as well as every part of the UAE to advise or represent you whenever you need to.
HHS Lawyers is one of the top law firms in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience in providing high-quality legal services to clients from various sectors and industries. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex and sensitive family and divorce cases, both in and out of court.
Request Confidential Family Law Advice
Some of the reasons why you should choose us as your family and divorce lawyers in Dubai are:
- We have a team of qualified and experienced family and divorce lawyers who are well-versed in the UAE laws and regulations, as well as the Sharia law that governs Islamic marriages and divorces.
- We offer an initial consultation to assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- We provide personalized and tailored legal solutions that suit your specific needs and goals.
- We communicate with you regularly and keep you updated on the progress of your case.
- We respect your privacy and confidentiality and handle your case with utmost professionalism and discretion.
- We charge reasonable and transparent fees for our legal services, with no hidden costs or surprises.
The Lawyers of divorce in Dubai -What you need to know.
The UAE is not the place where divorce is a personal choice. The problems that are usually discussed in divorce are:
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Child visitation and custody.
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Child maintenance and alimony.
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Apportionment of assets and liabilities.
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Housing arrangements
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Parental authority and guardianship.
Dubai divorce lawyers seek to settle disputes amicably where possible to alleviate emotional stress, time and costs. In cases where settlement cannot be achieved, we have aggressive court representation and guard your interests.
The UAE and the way that cases of family and divorce are dealt with.
This is the general procedure used in most cases of family law:
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First case evaluation and legal advice.
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Efforts at mediation or reconciliation (where necessary)
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Submission to the Family Court.
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Evidence presentation and court hearings.
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Ruling and administration of court orders.
Our family attorneys take you through every step and make sure that you adhere to the UAE procedures to guarantee that your rights are protected in the process.
The reason why you should hire a family lawyer in the UAE.
The case with the family conflicts in UAE is related to legal, culture, and religious issues. By having a skilled family attorney, one is guaranteed:
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Appropriate interpretation of UAE and Sharia laws.
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Guardianship of the parental and financial rights.
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Correct paper-trailing and legal representation.
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Delicate treatment of emotionally colored issues.
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Less possibility of making expensive legal errors.
The case family laws are known to be long term in nature especially when children are involved and their long term effects are apparent. It is necessary to have professional legal advice.
Discuss Your Family Matter Privately
What Is so Special about HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants?
Clients prefer us as one of the most appropriate family law firms in Dubai due to:
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Lawyers of family and divorce.
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Full understanding of the family and personal status laws in the UAE.
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cyservice on behalf of expats and UAE nationals.
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Good mediation and litigation skills.
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Discreet, caring, and professional treatment.
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No hidden charges or ambiguous charges.
Having more than 15 years of experience, we have already managed to process the most complicated and sensitive cases in the field of family law, both outside and inside the court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Family Lawyers in Dubai, UAE
Can expatriates file family law cases in Dubai?
Yes. Expatriates can file family law cases in Dubai, including divorce, child custody, alimony, and maintenance. Under recent reforms, non-Muslim expatriates can opt for the **Federal Civil Personal Status Law (No. 41 of 2022)**, which provides a secular legal framework, while Muslims follow the updated **UAE Personal Status Law (No. 41 of 2024)**.
Which law applies to divorce cases in Dubai for non-Muslims?
Non-Muslim divorce cases are primarily governed by **Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status**. This law allows for “no-fault” divorce, meaning a spouse can request a divorce without proving harm or wrongdoing. Alternatively, parties may still request the application of their home country’s laws under specific conditions.
Do Muslim divorce cases in Dubai follow Sharia law?
Yes. Muslim divorce cases are governed by the **Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024**, which is based on Sharia principles. The 2024 update has modernized several aspects, such as standardizing custody ages and streamlining the reconciliation process while maintaining its Sharia foundation.
Who gets child custody after divorce in the UAE?
For non-Muslims, the law now presumes **joint and equal custody** for both parents to ensure the child’s psychological health. For Muslims under the 2024 law, maternal custody has been standardized to last until the child reaches **18 years of age** for both boys and girls, unless the court determines otherwise based on the child’s best interests.
Can fathers get child custody in Dubai?
Yes. Under the Civil Law for non-Muslims, joint custody is the default. Under the 2024 law for Muslims, while the mother is usually the primary custodian, the father remains the **Guardian** (responsible for financial and legal affairs). A father can apply for full custody if he can prove the mother is unfit or if the child reaches 15 and chooses to live with him (subject to court approval).
What are visitation rights for parents in the UAE?
The parent who does not have physical custody is entitled to visitation. Recent 2025 reforms allow parents to travel with their children for up to **60 days per year**, provided they obtain court permission or follow the agreed-upon parenting plan.
Is mediation mandatory before divorce in Dubai?
Yes. For most cases, parties must first appear before the **Family Guidance and Reconciliation Committee**. However, for non-Muslims filing for “no-fault” divorce under the Civil Law, the process is significantly faster and often bypasses lengthy reconciliation sessions if the divorce is sought unilaterally.
Can divorce be settled without going to court in Dubai?
Yes. Many disputes are resolved through the **Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes**. A signed settlement agreement reached here is legally binding and enforceable, just like a court judgment, but without the stress of a public trial.
How long does a divorce case take in Dubai?
Under the 2022 Civil Law, a no-fault divorce can sometimes be granted in a **single hearing**. Contested cases involving complex assets or custody disputes under the standard Personal Status Law can take several months.
Can a wife claim alimony or maintenance in the UAE?
Yes. A wife can claim maintenance (food, clothing, housing) during the marriage and alimony after divorce. For non-Muslims, the court calculates alimony based on the **duration of the marriage, the wife’s age, and the financial status** of both parties as determined by an accounting expert.
Is child support mandatory in Dubai?
Yes. The father is primarily responsible for child support (education, medical, housing, and basic needs). Under the 2024 law, maintenance for a daughter continues until she marries or starts working, and for a son until he completes his education.
What should I do in case of domestic violence in Dubai?
Victims should contact the police (999) or the **Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (800 111)**. Courts can issue immediate protection orders to restrain the abuser.
Can false domestic violence allegations be challenged?
Yes. UAE courts require evidence for such claims. If allegations are proven false, the accuser can face legal penalties, and the person wrongly accused can seek damages.
What is guardianship under UAE family law?
Guardianship is distinct from custody. The **Guardian** (usually the father) manages the child’s financial affairs, education choices, and legal representation. The **Custodian** (usually the mother) handles the child’s day-to-day physical care.
Can family lawyers assist with inheritance disputes?
Yes. Non-Muslims can now register **Civil Wills** that distribute assets according to their wishes. In the absence of a will, the 2022 Civil Law stipulates an equal 50/50 split between a surviving spouse and children, regardless of gender.
Do Free Zone residents follow the same family laws in Dubai?
Yes. Federal family laws apply to all residents. However, those in the **DIFC** or **ADGM** may have access to specialized common-law courts for certain probate or matrimonial matters.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Dubai?
Fees vary based on whether the case is amicable or contested. Most firms offer an initial consultation to provide a clear fee structure based on the complexity of assets and custody issues.
Is my family law case confidential?
Yes. Family court sessions are private. Documents and proceedings are handled with strict professional discretion and are not accessible to the general public.
Why should I hire a family lawyer in Dubai?
With the recent introduction of the **2022 Civil Law** and the **2024/2025 Personal Status reforms**, the legal landscape is complex. A lawyer ensures you apply under the correct jurisdiction to protect your rights regarding joint custody, alimony, and asset division.
How can HHS Lawyers & Legal Consultants help with family law matters?
Our family lawyers provide expert guidance on the new Civil Marriage/Divorce laws, represent clients in Sharia and Civil courts, and assist in drafting binding settlement agreements and DIFC Wills to secure your family’s future.
Talk to a Dubai Family Lawyer.
Early legal advice can be of great help in case you are experiencing any issue concerning family or a divorce.
Call HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants and have a private meeting with an expert family lawyer in Dubai.
Legal Disclaimer
The data in this page is of a general nature and does not carry a legal advice. Family affairs are different depending on the case. To obtain a tailor-made advice, a competent UAE family lawyer must be approached.
