The new Federal Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 41 of 2022) (from now on “UAE Non- Muslim Family Law”) has come into effect on February 1, 2023. It regulates essential family issues like marriage, child custody, divorce, and Inheritance. According to leading legal experts, the new Civil marriage Law in the UAE aims to advance gender equality, address the issue of joint custody, and speed up the divorce process for non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE.
For non-Muslim residents and expatriates throughout the world, the UAE government has made it easier to satisfy their expectations about their personal life. They won’t be subject to regulations that clash with their values and way of life without having an impact on UAE culture and beliefs that will be applicable to both native Muslims and foreign Muslims.
The Civil Family Court System in Abu Dhabi, which works similarly to wedding registry offices in the UK and Europe or even by following the laws of their home country, has been the source of the new reforms to the legal systems in the UAE. This system permits non-Muslim couples to get married or divorced without adhering to Sharia law. Although Abu Dhabi began implementing this policy in November 2021, all seven emirates—Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—will now be covered by the personal status rules.
Previously, expats or non-Muslim residents of the UAE were required to observe Sharia law when applying for divorce in a local UAE court, even if it was different from the law of their home country. As a result, more individuals turned to get married or divorced outside of the UAE. The UAE Non- Muslim Family Law was passed to “control marriage, circumstances, and processes of contracting and recording the marriage before the competent courts,” making it permissible for non-Muslims to get married or divorce under non-sharia law.
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Regarding witness evidence, estate distribution, and the ability to divorce, Article 4 gives men and women the same rights and duties. “Women will now be equally able to apply for divorce, testify as witnesses, and make child custody decisions.”
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The wife’s father’s consent is no longer required for civil marriage in the UAE, and witnesses are not required. Civil marriage in UAE will be legal, and Article 5 specifies the requirements for one. “Both parties must not be related and must be at least 21 years old. Obtaining the wife’s father’s or guardian’s approval was formerly required, but that need has been eliminated.
A Civil marriage in the UAE may now be only based on the “will of the husband and the wife,” who must sign out a declaration form in front of a court. Previously, the marriage required two male witnesses, but this need has been removed.
The requirements for a mutual or unilateral divorce are outlined in Articles 6, 7, and 8. “If one partner indicates their wish to divorce, they are free to do so without giving a reason. There is no longer a necessity for either side to place blame. Additionally, this stops the other party from slow-walking the divorce process and restricting the petitioner’s liberties. Any spouse may request a divorce by filing a court application without providing evidence of the reasons for the divorce. After informing the other spouse, the court will issue a judgment granting the divorce.
Additionally, there is no longer a need to attend a required mediation session, and the judge may issue a divorce during the first hearing.
One may divorce their marriage under this new legislation without proving wrongdoing or wrongdoing to the other party. Unlike before, there is no longer a need to provide a defence or explanation. It is hoped that by doing this, the divorce will happen under the new law quickly, peacefully, and amicably.
According to Article 9, the woman has the right to request alimony from her husband by signing a form approved by the court. If the husband rejects the wife’s plea for financial support, the court will have the authority to take into account different considerations, including:
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Article 10 establishes the idea of shared parenting duty. In a disagreement over parental responsibilities, either parent may apply to the court for exclusive custody by excluding the other. The court will analyze the facts and determine who is given custody based on what is in the children’s best interests and their well-being and safety.
The new legislation permits shared custody between the mother and father until the child reaches the age of 18, at which point the youngster will have the option to continue living with either parent. The court may give the petitioner exclusive custody if a reasonable cause is shown to the court that the other parent is ineligible during the shared custody arrangement.
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According to the new rule, non-Muslims must be married or have their paternity acknowledged to establish fatherhood. If the parentage is uncertain, DNA testing will be performed.
For more information about the New UAE Non-Muslim Family Law, don’t hesitate to contact our Family Lawyer in Dubai at HHS Lawyer and Legal Consultants.