A Detailed Guide to UAE Family Laws for Non-Muslims:

Divorcing in the UAE as an Expat: Your Essential Guide for Non-Muslims

UAE is a diverse country that comprises Emiratis and non-Emiratis. Non-Emiratis are also called expatriates coming from different corners of the world. People choose the Emirates as their home due to various reasons. Safety, endless business opportunities, relaxed laws and regulations, stability, and many other reasons tend to attract a large number of expatriates. In the past, the UAE has followed Sharia law for major family-related issues. Family lawyers in Dubai, are mostly award winning lawyers to address family law and Sharia matters in UAE.

The government of UAE felt the need to accommodate the expatriates in the country. A huge number of expatriates are based on non-Muslims who witness Sharia laws as overwhelming. Therefore, they have taken the initiative to maintain lenient family laws to especially support the non-Muslim expatriates. As a result, the UAE has paved its way to keep favorable and balanced family laws. 

All credit goes to the UAE laws and policies to ensure the safety of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  Like any other country in the world, the UAE has specific rules under which a couple can get married. UAE’s legal framework is a perfect blend of Islamic law and civil laws that accommodate Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 

Furthermore, non-Muslims are allowed to opt for their own country’s laws for their family-related issues. This leverage is provided to them to ensure satisfaction and equality. The marriage procedure is very clear for the non-Muslims. It is easier to manage conflicts, disputes, and confusion. Moreover, there is no gender-based inequality in the case of asset distribution.  They offer a greater level of flexibility in case of marriage, divorce, and drafting of wills.  

Adjusting the non-Muslims in the UAE is a step towards cultural diversity. It demonstrates sensitivity towards people from diverse backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, and cultures. Marriage is a civil contract and thus, its validity and legality are essential. Certain requirements must be fulfilled to declare marriage as a legal agreement. The age specification according to the UAE family law is at least 18 years. A man and a woman both must be 18 years old or older to enter into a matrimonial relationship. 

However, the verification of their national identity card is essential to ensure that both are within the age criteria. It is made in accordance with the best global practices and to prevent child marriages in the UAE. The legal status of the two must be clear before the marriage is solemnized. Therefore, a consent form is shared which is signed by both parties.  This is done to ensure zero legal disputes over consent and the legal status of the two. In the recent UAE family laws, marriages between first-degree cousins and relatives are strictly prohibited. It is done under the civil and federal decree law.  

Therefore, the policy of no marriage in the family is introduced to avoid medical complications in the next generation. Besides, it also complies with the best international standards. In the UAE, civil marriage takes place under the federal decree law. It is important to register for marriage in the UAE. For it, they need to submit the relevant documents to the marriage counselor. Besides, the terms and conditions of the marriage contract can be changed. The modifications are permissible concerning the rights and obligations.  The judges will ensure the validity and legitimacy of the marriage once the marriage requirements are fulfilled. Notably, the marriage procedure applies to non-Muslim couples. Gender and citizenship do not matter until they are getting married in the UAE. It is not applied to the Muslim couples. 

The UAE family laws ensure that non-Muslims do get inheritance rights. To ensure dignity and fairness, the inheritance of non-Muslims is dealt with differently from the Muslims.  International laws are applicable to the inheritance of non-Muslims. They are applied for the distribution of wealth among the family members. It requires them to create a will for inheritance. It is essential to draft a will to avoid family disagreements and disputes in the coming time. Additionally, the UAE Family law accepts the will following the federal laws.  The inheritance tends to be equally distributed among the spouse and the children. In case no children exist then the real estate is distributed evenly among the deceased parents. Moreover, if the parents and children do not exist, then the inheritance is divided equally among the siblings.

It is necessary to register the wills in the UAE.  It is essential to register the will in a legal way. The non-Muslims need to register their wills to ensure their legality and validity. The spouses can mutually decide the portion of assets between them. In case there is a dispute among the couples due to any reason, they can choose to seek legal guidance from a professional family lawyer in the UAE. Divorce, child custody, alimony, inheritance, or any other dispute can easily be managed by the lawyer. Family lawyers in the UAE can provide legal help to the spouses to sort out their matters. Besides, they also offer dispute resolution methods. If there is a disagreement over child custody or any other family-related matter. 

The Family lawyers in the UAE provide the common grounds for discussions. The meetings are conducted to ensure the well-being of the spouses and their offspring. The family problems are overwhelming and they can take a toll on the health of the spouse and those closely related to them. Therefore, in mental and physical stress times, the family lawyers act as a savior. They can easily handle all the family matters and also provide lucrative solutions. They try for an amicable settlement over the family issues to maintain good relations in the future. Competent family lawyers in the UAE take up family matters like marriage, inheritance, divorce, child custody, alimony, and others.  

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