Family Law Reforms in Dubai: A Progressive Step for Non-Muslim Expats

Family Law Reforms in Dubai have been the most progressive reforms in Dubai so far, for the expatriates living in UAE. UAE has a diverse culture because of the expatriates living in the UAE. The cosmopolitan environment of the UAE requires a well-defined, organized and implemented legal framework. UAE has introduced, a large number of family laws for non-Muslim expatriates, so they can easily live in the UAE without inconvenience and difficulties. It also shows the commitment of UAE to its residents in which it is promised to provide them an equal and fair residential experience. The legal article explains the key features, implementations of the law and the latest family law reformations.

The revised and new federal decree-law on personal status for non-Muslim expatriates, has changed on a very significant level, the UAE’s approach towards family law. Previously there was no provision and flexibility available for, non-Muslim expatriates in law. The reformations in family law in UAE introduced new civil procedures, advanced legal framework, quick executions, revised laws, and relations for non-Muslim expatriates. They are no longer bound to get verdicts or decisions by using Sharia Law. The recent developments reflect the vision of the UAE and its deductions to reach new levels of progress.

The new family law introduces many groundbreaking laws and provisions that improved the living of non-Muslim expatriates in UAE:

1. Civil Marriage and Divorce

The most notable part of the new law is the introduction of civil marriages and divorce procedures. These new procedures are not just based on the Western legal system, they are also made very flexible for non-Muslim expatriates. This way the non-Muslim expatriates, can use their native laws and legal rules. The civil divorce has removed the religious rules for non-Muslims. It has allowed them, to get married or divorce with their own decisions. There is no more religious accountability, or Sharia law accountability on the non-Muslims. They can manage the personal disputes like the way they can manage in their own countries.

2. Wills and Inheritance

The family reformations is not just for personal status matters, it also covers Wills and Estate planning. Previously, inheritance matters were only for Muslims. Now non-Muslim expatriates can manage their inheritance as per their country laws. Now no law will conflict their personal wishes.

3. Child Custody

The revised law adopts a modern approach to all custody arrangements, whether this is joint or shared custody. This provision ensures that the well-being of children and balancing parental involvement. Co-parenting is also promoted because the new law helps to maintain strong relationships between children and both parents this way. This is good for both, parents and children.

We have to see the impacts and implications now. There are far-reaching implications of this new law. Let’s discuss in detail:

1. Increasing the involvement

The new family law demonstrates the commitment of United Arab Emirates to building specialized legal system. The legal system which respects the cultural and religious backgrounds of all the residents. This way UAE provides confidence and respect to non-Muslim expatriates so they can live better and contribute better in UAE.

2. Strengthening the Reputation

The new law also enhances UAE’s international image and reputation. Expatriates are given more respect and value here. This way UAE increases its global image because UAE accommodates all the nationalities and religions here.

3. Powering Residents

It is very necessary to empower the residents. It’s a very successful and common practice throughout the world by every country in the world. UAE also does his best to empower his residents. Non-Muslim expatriates are also empowered so they can feel that they belong to here.

There are several family lawyers and law firms working in UAE. They are well known for their understanding, professional work, consultations, court proceedings, legal documentation, etc. Always consult such lawyers and legal companies.

For example, Ask The Law, Al Shaiba Advocates and Legal Consultant, is one of the top law companies and attorneys in Dubai. But what is the advantage to hire a good law company?

Because they are specialized law firms with professional legal structure. They have dedicated team and a team of professional legal experts to handle legal matters. A dedicated team means they are specialized in their relevant professional domain.

When a law firm is specialized or lawyers are fully competent then they can deal with normal to complicated matters, better than an ordinary or junior attorney.