Instructing a lawyer while living abroad can be a daunting prospect. As UK qualified family lawyers, we are specialists in international divorce proceedings. When you instruct us, you can be confident that our team will quickly dispel any uncertainty and anxiety you feel.
We have a wealth of experience in reaching amicable divorce settlements in the local courts. Most couples choose to enter into a Settlement Agreement, meaning there is no need for formal litigation.
Expatriates make up over 80% of the population in the United Arab Emirates. Our divorce lawyers understand that considering or responding to divorce proceedings can be a challenging and stressful life event. We offer a sensitive, client-focused service which assists in reducing the anxiety caused by having to go through this tough time on your own.
As part of our divorce service, we will take the time to take your detailed instructions, find out what it is you want to achieve and provide you with the support you need to make an informed decision. Early advice is always recommended as this can put you in a more favourable position.
We are a multi-lingual firm, proficient in Sharia and non-Sharia law. Our family lawyers are registered with the UK Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Dubai Legal Affairs Department. We have a robust knowledge of UK/UAE law and how it applies to expatriates in the UAE. As a niche firm, we are highly respected in the region for our family law expertise. We run a fully digital practice and can arrange meetings by video conference if preferred.
Our divorce lawyers specialise in areas of divorce, separation, custody, and financial settlements in the UAE/ UK Courts. Our practice areas include:
Our highly dedicated family lawyers provide you with:
The new Federal Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 41 of 2022) will govern key family matters such as marriage, child custody, divorce, and inheritance.
It is important to note that the above law applies only to non-Muslim expatriates residing in the UAE unless one opts to apply their home country laws or other legislation regulating family or personal status.
Under this new law, with the introduction of the No Fault Divorce, one has the choice and right to divorce their spouse without showing harm or fault. There is no need to provide a justification or a reason, as was previously required. It is hoped that this will allow the divorce to proceed peacefully, amicably, and swiftly under the new law.
The new law entitles the wife to apply for alimony from her husband using the Court prescribed form. If the request for financial provisions put forward by the wife is rejected by the husband, the Court will have discretionary powers to take into consideration various factors such as:
This is in line with other jurisdictions which take into account various factors when considering the amount of maintenance to award.
The new law introduces the concept of shared parental responsibility, and in case there is a dispute regarding parental rights, either parent may approach the Court and make an application to exclude the other in order to obtain sole custody. The Court will review the information and decide who is awarded custody based on what is in the best interests of the children and their well-being and safety.
You may have your divorce proceedings heard in an English court if:
Our lawyers can swiftly establish if you can get divorced under UK law and quickly file the divorce petition in the UK courts on your behalf.
If the couple wishes to divorce and can agree on amicable terms drafted and prepared by a family lawyer, a judge will execute it and a divorce certificate will be granted.
Our divorce lawyers will provide the expert, compassionate advice and representation you need during this difficult time. We will ensure you understand the difference in the divorce process fully and have extensive knowledge of all the options available to you.
To book a consultation with one of our divorce lawyers, please contact now:
