Dubai
دبي — قانون الأسرة لغير المسلمين
Legal guidance for non-Muslims living in Dubai on divorce, custody, maintenance and registering wills, with a clear understanding of the respective roles of the Dubai Courts and the DIFC.
- Dubai Courts and DIFC Which forum handles what
- Wills registration To the chosen registry’s requirements
- Remote consultations Or at our Abu Dhabi office
- International experience For a multinational community
The Dubai route
Personal status cases for non-Muslims in Dubai are governed by the federal civil personal status law and heard by the Dubai Courts, while the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offers a dedicated wills service for non-Muslims. Because Dubai is home to so many nationalities, cases often involve assets, children or judgments in other countries. We advise remotely or at our Abu Dhabi office, and help you identify the competent authority and the right route for your case.
Most requested services in Dubai
Legal support for non-Muslims living in Dubai across every family matter.
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Civil marriage
Civil marriage procedures for non-Muslims in Dubai
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Divorce and separation
Divorce under the federal civil personal status law
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Child custody
Custody, contact and children’s travel from Dubai
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Maintenance and finances
Maintenance and dividing assets in the UAE and abroad
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Inheritance
Estates and heirs’ procedures for non-Muslims in Dubai
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Wills
Registering wills with the DIFC Wills Service or local authorities
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What sets Dubai cases apart?
- Choosing the right forum between the Dubai Courts and the DIFC
- Assets and accounts abroad are common
- Children of different nationalities who travel often
- Frequent need to recognise foreign judgments
- Remote follow-up that suits the city’s pace
Key authorities in Dubai
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Dubai Courts
Personal status cases for non-Muslims
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DIFC
The DIFC Wills Service for non-Muslims
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Dubai notary public
Notarising agreements and powers of attorney
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Serving Dubai clients
Remote consultations or at our Abu Dhabi office
Handling a family case in Dubai
A clear route from consultation to enforcement.
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1
First consultation
Remotely or at our office
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2
Choosing the forum
Dubai Courts or DIFC, depending on the case
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3
Documents
Translation and attestation
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4
Negotiation or court
Settlement or claim
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5
Follow-up
Hearings and procedure
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6
Enforcement
In the UAE or abroad
