Family matters in the UAE are highly fact-specific. The applicable rules can depend on nationality, religion, residence and the emirate, and the federal personal status framework has been updated in recent years, as have arrangements for non-Muslim residents in some emirates.
These guides explain the general landscape and the questions worth asking. They do not state what any individual outcome will be.
Where to start
Begin with personal status consultation to understand which rules may apply, then choose the guide for your topic.
Related services
See personal and family cases and wills and inheritance.
All Family & Personal Status guides
Family Legal Consultation in Dubai: What to Expect
What to expect from a family legal consultation in Dubai: identifying the applicable rules, documents to gather, options and sensitive-matter handling.
Read guidePersonal Status Matters in the UAE: A General Overview
A general overview of UAE personal status matters: marriage, divorce, custody, maintenance and inheritance, and how nationality and religion influence the rules.
Read guideDivorce in the UAE: What to Know Before You Start
An overview of divorce in the UAE for residents: which rules may apply, usual process, documents, children and finances, and where to get guidance.
Read guideChild Custody in the UAE: Key Concepts
How child custody is approached in the UAE: best interests, custody versus guardianship, visitation, travel and why outcomes depend on the facts.
Read guideChild Support and Maintenance in the UAE: An Overview
An overview of child support and spousal maintenance in the UAE: who may be responsible, what is considered, evidence and enforcement.
Read guideNon-Muslim Family Matters in the UAE: Frameworks and Differences
How family matters for non-Muslim residents of the UAE are approached: civil family frameworks, emirate differences, documents and when home-country law may matter.
Read guideInheritance in the UAE: What Families Should Know
A general overview of inheritance in the UAE: applicable law, estate steps, heirs, bank accounts, property, disputes and documents often required.
Read guideWills in the UAE: Options, Registration and Key Points
How wills work in the UAE for residents: registration options, what to include, guardianship, language and why unregistered wills may cause problems.
Read guideEstate Planning for UAE Residents and Business Owners
Estate planning considerations for UAE residents and business owners: wills, guardianship, business succession, powers of attorney and cross-border assets.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
Which law applies to a family matter?
It depends on factors such as the parties' nationality and religion and the emirate involved. Confirming the governing framework is usually the first step.
General information only. Please read our Legal Disclaimer.