The law has now changed for non-Muslim couples who want to divorce or marry in the UAE. If you remember before, a couple wanting to get a divorce here would need to follow a Sharia-based process, now you can follow a civil procedure.

We’ve made it simple by breaking down the changes and how it could affect you:

Marriage

Non-Muslim couples can now marry “based on the will of both the husband and wife”, meaning you don’t need permission from the wife’s father or guardian. It’s now easier to get hitched and similar to what you would get in a registry office in the UK.

Divorce

Under the new law, spouses have the right to divorce and don’t need to prove harm was done in the marriage. This is known as a “no-fault divorce”. Either a husband or wife can ask the court to end the marriage without the need to prove one was at fault.

Divorce can also be given at the first hearing, so there’s no need to participate in family guidance, counselling, or mandatory mediation sessions.

Joint custody

Joint and equal custody of children is automatically granted to parents after divorce now, with a system in place to settle disputes.

Previously, a mother was only given custody of her son until he reached the age of 11, and her daughter until the age of 13. The father could claim custody once the child reached those ages.

Inheritance

Foreign residents now can draw up a will and give their property to whoever they wish in the UAE. If you don’t have a will, half of a person’s estate will go to the surviving spouse, and the other half will be divided equally between the children. Non-Muslim wills are registered when you sign your marriage certificate.

Giving Birth Unmarried

Unmarried mums can now also apply to get birth certificates for their babies, and no longer need a husband to go through this process.

Read more:

AS A BRITISH MOTHER LIVING IN THE UAE, HOW WILL THE RECENT LAW CHANGES AFFECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

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