Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. In the UAE, divorce is governed by the Personal Status Law, which is based on Islamic law. The law provides different grounds for divorce for Muslim and non-Muslim couples.
Sara Advocates can help you understand your rights and options if you are considering getting a divorce in the UAE.
Legal Grounds for Divorce in the UAE
- Adultery: Infidelity causes many marriages to end globally, including in the UAE. Proving adultery can be challenging, requiring concrete evidence like eyewitness testimony, photographs, and phone records.
- Abuse: This includes physical, emotional, and financial abuse. If one spouse is abusing the other, this can be grounds for divorce.
- Desertion: This occurs when one spouse leaves the other without a legitimate reason and without providing for their financial support.
What to Do if Your Visa Depends on Your Marriage
If your visa depends on your marriage, you will need to apply for a new visa after your divorce. The type of visa you will need will depend on your circumstances. For example, if you are a working visa holder, you will need to apply for a new work visa. If you are a dependent visa holder, you will need to apply for a family visa.
The Process of Getting a Divorce in the UAE
The process of getting a divorce in the UAE can be complex. The specific steps involved will depend on the circumstances of your divorce. However, the general process is as follows:
- File a petition for divorce with the court.
- Attend mediation with your spouse at Sara Advocates.
- If mediation is unsuccessful, the case will go to trial.
- The court will issue a judgment granting the divorce.
Cost of Getting a Divorce in the UAE
The cost of getting a divorce in the UAE can vary depending on the circumstances of your divorce. However, you can expect to pay between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000 for the legal fees. You may also have to pay other costs, such as the cost of translations and court fees.
Things to Consider When Getting a Divorce in the UAE
There are a number of things to consider when getting a divorce in the UAE. These include:
- Custody of children: The court will decide who will have custody of the children after the divorce. Sara Advocates can help you fight for the best possible outcome for your children.
- Child support: The court will also decide how much child support will be paid by the non-custodial parent.
- Property division: The court will divide the marital assets between the spouses.
- Spousal maintenance: The court may order one spouse to pay spousal maintenance to the other spouse.
Alternatives to Getting a Divorce in the UAE
There are a number of alternatives to getting a divorce in the UAE. These include:
- Divorce mediation: This is a process where a neutral third party helps the spouses reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce. Sara Advocates can provide you with mediation services.
- Annulment: This is a legal process that can be used to have a marriage declared invalid.
- Separation: This is a legal process that allows spouses to live apart from each other without getting a divorce.
Ending a Civil Partnership in the UAE
If you are in a civil partnership in the UAE, you can end the partnership by filing a petition with the court. The court will then issue a judgment dissolving the partnership.
Conclusion
Divorce is a difficult process, but it is important to understand your rights and options. If you are considering getting a divorce in the UAE, it is important to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer at Sara Advocates to discuss your specific circumstances.
We hope this information is helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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