+971505191276
Call Now
Family matters are deeply personal and often legally complex, requiring expert guidance to ensure fairness, protection, and peace of mind. At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we provide comprehensive family law services to help individuals and families navigate legal challenges with compassion and professionalism.
From marriage contracts and divorce settlements to child custody and inheritance planning, our expertise ensures that your rights, assets, and family relationships are legally protected. Whether resolving disputes or structuring agreements, our firm is committed to delivering personalized, strategic legal solutions that uphold your best interests.
Divorce and legal separation in the UAE are governed by both Sharia law and civil regulations, depending on the nationality and religion of the parties involved. Whether you are a UAE national, expatriate, or foreign resident, understanding the legal process is crucial to ensuring a fair and legally compliant resolution.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we provide comprehensive legal support for divorce, separation, child custody, and financial settlements under UAE Personal Status Law and applicable international legal frameworks.
Divorce in the UAE is primarily regulated by Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (Personal Status Law), which governs Muslim and non-Muslim divorces. However, expatriates may also choose to apply the laws of their home country for divorce proceedings.
✔ Islamic Divorce (Sharia Law) – Applies to Muslim couples and follows procedures outlined in Islamic jurisprudence.
✔ Non-Muslim Divorce (Civil Law) – Expatriates may file for divorce under UAE law or apply their home country’s law.
✔ Dubai Personal Status Court (New Civil Law for Non-Muslims) – Allows non-Muslims to file for no-fault divorce, civil marriage dissolution, and joint custody agreements.
Key Considerations:
✔ Residency Requirement – At least one spouse must be a UAE resident to file for divorce in the UAE.
✔ Jurisdiction Options – Expatriates can request the court to apply their home country’s law for divorce proceedings.
✔ Mutual or Contested Divorce – The process differs based on whether both parties agree or if legal disputes arise.
The UAE divorce procedure involves several legal steps, whether the case is amicable or contested.
When both spouses agree to divorce and settle key matters (child custody, financial support, asset division), the process is simpler.
✔ Step 1: Register the Divorce Request – Filed at the Family Guidance Committee at the Personal Status Court.
✔ Step 2: Mandatory Mediation Session – A court mediator facilitates an amicable resolution between the spouses.
✔ Step 3: Settlement Agreement & Court Approval – If both parties agree, the judge ratifies the divorce without litigation.
Timeframe: Typically 1 to 3 months, depending on case complexity.
If spouses disagree on divorce terms, the case moves to court. Common disputes include:
✔ Child Custody & Visitation Rights
✔ Financial Support (Alimony & Child Maintenance)
✔ Property & Asset Division
Process for Contested Divorce:
✔ Step 1: Filing a Divorce Case – The petitioner submits a legal complaint stating the grounds for divorce.
✔ Step 2: Mediation Attempt (Mandatory) – The Family Guidance Committee tries to resolve disputes amicably.
✔ Step 3: Court Hearings & Evidence Presentation – If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
✔ Step 4: Final Judgment – The court issues a divorce decree, determining child custody, financial support, and asset division.
Timeframe: Contested divorces may take several months to over a year, depending on complexity.
✔ Adultery or Infidelity – Considered a criminal offense in the UAE and grounds for divorce.
✔ Failure to Provide Financial Support – If a spouse neglects financial responsibilities, the other party can seek divorce.
✔ Physical or Emotional Abuse – Domestic violence or psychological harm is valid legal grounds.
✔ Abandonment (Desertion) – If a spouse leaves the marital home for over a year without justification.
✔ Irreconcilable Differences – Non-Muslim expatriates can file for a no-fault divorce under UAE civil law.
Custody & Guardianship
✔ Custody (Mother’s Right) – The mother is typically granted custody of young children (boys under 11, girls under 13).
✔ Guardianship (Father’s Right) – The father is responsible for financial support and decision-making.
✔ Joint Custody for Non-Muslims – Allowed under Dubai’s Civil Family Law for Non-Muslims.
Child Support & Maintenance
✔ Father’s Financial Obligation – Covers housing, education, healthcare, and general child expenses.
✔ Court Enforcement – If the father fails to provide, legal enforcement action can be taken.
✔ Husband’s Financial Responsibility – Covers housing, food, medical care, and child-related expenses.
✔ Factors Affecting Alimony – Includes length of marriage, financial status of both parties, and cause of divorce.
✔ Duration of Alimony Payments – Typically limited to one year post-divorce, unless children are involved.
✔ Lump-Sum Settlements – Alternative to monthly alimony payments.
✔ UAE Law Does Not Recognize Joint Marital Property – Each spouse retains ownership of their individually held assets.
✔ Financial Settlements Based on Contributions – Courts assess financial contributions when dividing shared property.
✔ Property Registered in One Spouse’s Name – Remains with the named owner unless proven otherwise in court.
✔ Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements – Can protect assets and financial interests in case of divorce.
Legal separation allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married. This option is often used for:
✔ Religious or Personal Reasons – Some prefer separation without formal divorce.
✔ Financial or Custody Arrangements – Defining obligations before finalizing a divorce.
✔ Trial Separation Before Divorce – Time to reassess the marriage before taking legal steps.
Legal separation agreements outline financial responsibilities, child custody arrangements, and property division without officially dissolving the marriage.
✔ Divorce for Foreign Nationals – Expatriates can apply either UAE law or their home country’s law.
✔ Cross-Border Custody & Support Issues – Resolving legal conflicts in international family cases.
✔ Recognition of Foreign Divorce Decrees – Ensuring UAE courts recognize and enforce foreign divorce judgments.
For victims of domestic abuse, UAE law provides:
✔ Restraining Orders & Legal Protection – Preventing abusive spouses from contact.
✔ Emergency Custody Orders – Securing child custody in abusive situations.
✔ Criminal Charges Against Abusers – Holding perpetrators legally accountable.
Victims can file complaints with UAE police, public prosecutors, or the courts for protection and legal action.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we offer strategic legal solutions for divorce, child custody, and financial settlements under UAE law. Whether you are seeking an amicable resolution or strong legal representation, our team ensures your rights and interests are fully protected.
🔹 End your marriage with legal confidence – Consult our divorce experts today!
🔹 Schedule a consultation to discuss your case and secure your future!
Family disputes can be complex, emotionally charged, and legally challenging. Whether it involves divorce, child custody, financial settlements, inheritance conflicts, or domestic disputes, seeking professional legal guidance is crucial to ensure fair and amicable resolutions.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we specialize in family dispute resolution under UAE law, offering legal mediation, arbitration, and court representation to protect your rights and interests while promoting peaceful outcomes.
✔ Confidential & Private Dispute Resolution – Avoids lengthy court battles and ensures privacy.
✔ Facilitated Negotiations – A neutral legal mediator helps parties find common ground.
✔ Mutually Beneficial Agreements – Solutions that serve the best interests of all parties involved.
✔ Faster & Cost-Effective Resolutions – Saves time and legal expenses compared to court litigation.
Mediation is particularly effective in resolving divorce, child custody, financial support, and property division disputes without court intervention.
✔ Custody Determination Under UAE Law – Mothers typically have custody of young children, while fathers retain guardianship rights.
✔ Visitation Rights & Parenting Plans – Ensuring fair access and co-parenting agreements for separated parents.
✔ International Child Custody Disputes – Legal assistance in cross-border custody conflicts and UAE court enforcement.
✔ Legal Protection for Child Welfare – Ensuring children’s best interests and rights are upheld in custody cases.
Our legal team helps negotiate child custody arrangements that prioritize the well-being and stability of children.
✔ Spousal Support (Alimony) Claims – Ensuring fair financial support after divorce.
✔ Child Maintenance & Support Payments – Legal enforcement of child financial responsibilities.
✔ Modification of Financial Agreements – Adjusting support terms due to changes in financial circumstances.
✔ Enforcement of Non-Payment – Court intervention if a spouse or parent fails to meet financial obligations.
We assist clients in securing rightful financial support to maintain their well-being post-divorce.
✔ Marital Asset Division – Ensuring fair allocation of jointly owned properties and assets.
✔ Business & Investment Conflicts – Resolving financial disputes between spouses involving shared business ventures.
✔ Real Estate & Property Ownership Disputes – Legal support in property settlements post-divorce or separation.
✔ Legal Protection for Financial Interests – Securing assets through prenups, postnups, and property agreements.
We provide legal strategies to ensure equitable distribution of marital wealth and financial stability after separation.
✔ Legal Protection for Abuse Victims – Filing restraining orders and legal complaints against abusive spouses.
✔ Emergency Custody Orders – Immediate legal action to protect children from harmful home environments.
✔ Criminal Charges for Domestic Violence – Assisting victims in pursuing legal justice against offenders.
✔ Confidential Legal Advice & Support – Ensuring victims receive legal protection, safety, and justice.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic abuse, we offer discreet and urgent legal assistance to safeguard your rights.
✔ Legal Resolution of Heirship Conflicts – Ensuring a fair and lawful distribution of inherited assets.
✔ Islamic Inheritance Laws & Will Disputes – Assisting in estate division as per Sharia law or non-Muslim inheritance laws.
✔ Property & Wealth Distribution Conflicts – Preventing family disputes over estates and financial assets.
✔ Legal Documentation & Probate Support – Guiding families through inheritance claims and estate administration.
Our legal expertise ensures inheritance matters are handled fairly, preventing future family disputes.
✔ Legal Representation in UAE Family Courts – Expert legal advocacy for divorce, custody, and financial disputes.
✔ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – Arbitration as a legally binding alternative to court trials.
✔ Settlement Negotiations Before Litigation – Attempting amicable resolutions before court involvement.
✔ Strategic Legal Approach – Tailored legal strategies to protect your rights and interests.
We offer expert legal representation to resolve family disputes efficiently and effectively under UAE law.
✔ Expatriate Divorce & Custody Disputes – Legal support for foreign nationals residing in the UAE.
✔ Recognition of Foreign Marriage & Divorce Decrees – Ensuring UAE courts uphold international legal decisions.
✔ Multi-Jurisdictional Family Law Cases – Assisting in disputes involving dual-nationality couples and cross-border assets.
✔ Legal Coordination Between Countries – Facilitating international legal compliance for families with global ties.
Our expertise in cross-border family law ensures expatriates receive fair legal representation in UAE courts.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we understand the sensitive nature of family disputes and provide strategic legal solutions tailored to each client’s situation. Whether through mediation, arbitration, or court litigation, we are committed to securing fair and amicable resolutions.
🔹 Protect your family’s future – Schedule a consultation today!
🔹 Let us guide you towards a peaceful and legally sound resolution.
Child custody and financial support are among the most sensitive and legally complex issues in family law. At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we provide expert legal services to ensure that children’s well-being, stability, and rights are protected in custody and support cases.
Our legal team offers strategic guidance, negotiation, and court representation to help parents secure fair custody arrangements, visitation rights, and financial support in accordance with UAE law.
✔ Understanding Custody & Guardianship – In UAE law, custody is given to the parent who takes care of the child’s daily needs, while guardianship is granted to the father for financial and legal responsibilities.
✔ Legal Framework for Custody – The UAE Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 28 of 2005) governs child custody, ensuring that the child’s best interests take priority.
✔ Mother’s Right to Custody – In most cases, mothers retain custody of young children, unless proven unfit by the court.
✔ Father’s Right to Guardianship – Fathers retain rights to financial support, education, and legal decisions for the child.
Our legal experts ensure that custody agreements comply with UAE law while protecting your parental rights.
✔ Securing Custody Rights – Assisting parents in obtaining full or shared custody of their children.
✔ Challenging Unfit Custody Claims – Representing clients in cases where a parent is deemed unfit for custody due to neglect, abuse, or inability to provide a safe environment.
✔ Modifying Custody Arrangements – If circumstances change, we help parents request legal modifications to custody agreements.
✔ Relocation & International Custody Issues – Legal assistance in cases where one parent wishes to relocate with the child.
We advocate for fair custody arrangements that prioritize the child’s emotional and physical well-being.
✔ Ensuring Fair Child Support Payments – Legal representation to ensure children receive adequate financial support.
✔ Calculating Financial Support – Determining child support based on the father’s income, living expenses, and the child’s needs.
✔ Enforcing Support Payments – Legal action against parents who fail to meet financial obligations.
✔ Modifying Support Agreements – Adjusting child support in cases of job loss, financial hardship, or increased child needs.
Our legal team ensures that child support obligations are fair, reasonable, and enforced by the courts.
✔ Ensuring Fair Visitation Rights – Legal support in negotiating and enforcing visitation schedules for non-custodial parents.
✔ Supervised Visitations – Arranging court-approved supervised visits in cases where safety concerns arise.
✔ Handling Visitation Disputes – Resolving conflicts when one parent denies access to the child.
✔ Legal Protection for Parental Rights – Ensuring that both parents have the right to maintain a strong bond with their child.
We help parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children while ensuring legal compliance.
✔ Cross-Border Custody Disputes – Legal representation for expatriates and multi-national families in international custody cases.
✔ UAE & Hague Convention on Child Abduction – Assisting in legal procedures for wrongfully retained or abducted children.
✔ Recognition of Foreign Custody Orders – Ensuring UAE courts uphold international custody agreements.
✔ Preventing Unlawful Parental Relocation – Legal action against unauthorized travel or relocation of children.
Our legal team provides strong representation for parents involved in international custody conflicts.
✔ Legal Protection for Children from Abuse & Neglect – Ensuring children are safeguarded in cases of violence, neglect, or endangerment.
✔ Emergency Custody Orders – Legal action for immediate custody changes in unsafe situations.
✔ Court Representation for Child Welfare Cases – Advocating for children in family court proceedings.
✔ Legal Advice for Families in Crisis – Providing guidance to protect children’s safety, well-being, and future.
We prioritize the protection and rights of children in all legal matters.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we are committed to providing compassionate, strategic, and effective legal solutions in child custody and support cases. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or court representation, we ensure that your child’s rights and best interests remain our top priority.
🔹 Protect your child’s future – Schedule a consultation today!
🔹 Let us help you secure fair custody and financial support.
Planning for the future is essential to protect your family, assets, and legacy. At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we provide expert legal services in inheritance, estate planning, and will drafting to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Whether you are a UAE national, expatriate, or business owner, we guide you through the complexities of UAE inheritance laws to secure your family’s financial future.
✔ Customized Wills for UAE Nationals & Expatriates – Drafting legally valid wills that comply with Sharia law for Muslims or non-Muslim inheritance laws.
✔ Guardianship for Minor Children – Ensuring your children’s care and financial well-being if something happens to you.
✔ Business Succession Planning – Protecting business owners by ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership and assets.
✔ Distribution of Real Estate, Bank Accounts & Investments – Structuring asset allocation to avoid disputes and legal complications.
✔ DIFC & ADGM Wills for Non-Muslims – Registering wills with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for expatriates.
We ensure that your will is legally binding and tailored to protect your family’s interests.
✔ Understanding Sharia-Based Inheritance Distribution – Ensuring fair and lawful distribution of assets under Islamic inheritance principles.
✔ Legal Heirship Determination – Identifying rightful heirs and their entitlements according to Sharia inheritance law.
✔ Inheritance Disputes & Mediation – Resolving conflicts between heirs amicably or through legal intervention.
✔ Estate Administration for Muslim Families – Managing and distributing inherited assets while ensuring legal compliance.
Our legal team specializes in handling inheritance matters in accordance with UAE’s Islamic laws.
✔ Legal Options for Non-Muslims – Non-Muslim expatriates can choose UAE laws or their home country’s laws for inheritance matters.
✔ DIFC & ADGM Will Registration – Providing secure, internationally recognized will registration for non-Muslim residents.
✔ Legal Recognition of Foreign Wills – Assisting in registering or enforcing foreign wills in UAE courts.
✔ Cross-Border Estate Planning – Advising expatriates with international assets and properties.
We provide personalized inheritance solutions for expatriates to protect their assets and family interests.
✔ Legal Assistance in Probate Process – Handling court procedures for validating and executing wills.
✔ Distribution of Estate Assets – Ensuring heirs receive their rightful share as per UAE law.
✔ Debt Settlement & Financial Liabilities – Managing deceased person’s debts before distributing assets.
✔ Court Representation in Probate Matters – Legal support in disputed or contested wills.
Our probate lawyers handle all legal procedures, ensuring a smooth estate administration process.
✔ Resolving Family Disputes Over Inheritance – Representing clients in cases of will challenges, unfair asset distribution, or contested estates.
✔ Fraud & Undue Influence Claims – Protecting beneficiaries from fraudulent claims or unlawful manipulation.
✔ Legal Mediation for Heirship Conflicts – Offering alternative dispute resolution to settle inheritance disagreements out of court.
✔ Court Representation in Complex Inheritance Cases – Defending rightful heirs in UAE civil and Sharia courts.
We help families resolve inheritance conflicts fairly, whether through mediation or litigation.
✔ Protecting Business Ownership After Death – Ensuring smooth transfer of shares and business assets to heirs or successors.
✔ Corporate Will Drafting for Business Owners – Preparing legal frameworks to avoid disputes over company ownership.
✔ Partnership Agreements & Shareholder Rights – Structuring agreements that safeguard business continuity.
✔ Legal Support for Cross-Border Corporate Inheritance – Advising on multi-jurisdictional business succession planning.
We help entrepreneurs and investors protect their business legacy through proper legal planning.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we provide strategic legal solutions for inheritance and estate planning to ensure your family, assets, and business are protected. Whether you need to draft a will, resolve inheritance disputes, or manage estate administration, our expert legal team is here to guide you.
🔹 Secure your family’s future – Schedule a consultation today!
🔹 Plan ahead and protect your assets with expert legal advice.
At Dr. Malek Al-Refai Advocate Cabinet, we specialize in family law services, providing compassionate and strategic legal counsel for marriage, divorce, child custody, wills, inheritance, and family disputes. Our goal is to protect your rights and your family’s well-being with expert legal guidance.
📞 Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward legal clarity and family security!
Mobile & WhatsApp :
+971 505191276
All rights are reserved @ Dr.Malek AL-Refai © Copyright 2025
