UAE Personal Status Law: A Transformative Framework for Family Relations

UAE Personal Status Law: A Transformative Framework for Family Relations

The United Arab Emirates continues to modernize its legislative system to reflect the dynamic and diverse nature of its society, while preserving the legal principles that ensure justice and stability. In this context, the new Personal Status Law, issued under Federal Decree Law No. (41) of 2024, provides a modern legal structure for regulating family-related matters in line with national and international legal standards.

Coming into effect on April 15, 2025, this law introduces a comprehensive set of reforms that update previous legislation. Its goal is to strike a balance between individual rights and family stability, ensuring fairness and legal clarity in matters such as marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, guardianship, and alimony.

Divorce Law

1. Scope and Flexibility of the Law

The new Personal Status Law is characterized by its inclusiveness and clarity, covering all aspects of personal and family matters under a unified legal framework. It applies to citizens and residents alike, while respecting cultural and religious diversity, thus reinforcing social harmony within the UAE.

One of the law’s key features is granting broad discretionary powers to the judiciary, allowing judges to resolve family disputes based on the particular circumstances of each case, within the bounds of the law and in pursuit of justice.

2. Marriage – Greater Flexibility and Protection of Rights

The law regulates marriage in a way that reflects both legal and practical considerations. Key highlights include:

  • Affirming that each spouse has an independent financial entity, and each party has full control over their assets without interference from the other.
  • Allowing couples to include lawful special conditions in the marriage contract, such as requirements related to housing, work, education, etc. These provisions enhance transparency and mutual understanding at the outset of the marital relationship.

The law is structured to maintain a balanced approach that preserves the mutual rights and responsibilities of spouses.

3. Divorce – Legal Clarity and Protection of Interests

The law brings a more structured and protective approach to divorce procedures:

  • Mandatory court registration of divorce or reconciliation within 15 days of occurrence, failing which the affected party may seek financial compensation.
  • Clearly listing objective grounds for divorce, such as neglect, domestic abuse, or substance addiction, thereby expanding the scope of legal protection for vulnerable parties.
  • Ensuring post-divorce entitlements, such as alimony, child support, and housing, are calculated fairly based on the child’s needs and the financial capacity of the obligated party.

These provisions emphasize accountability and aim to reduce disputes by clarifying each party’s rights and obligations.

4. Child Custody – A Child-Centered Approach

One of the most transformative aspects of the law is its child-centric custody framework, where the best interest of the child is the primary consideration. Notable changes include:

  • Raising the age of custody to 18 years for both males and females.
  • Granting the child the right to choose which parent to live with upon reaching the age of 15.
  • Ensuring the non-custodial parent retains their rights to visitation, communication, and support, with flexibility in implementing these rights.

The law addresses custody disputes without bias, and focuses on the child’s mental, emotional, and educational well-being.

5. Alimony – Fairness Based on Living Standards

The law affirms the right to alimony for spouses, children, and in some cases, parents. The amount is determined based on:

  • The income of the payer.
  • The number of dependents.
  • The standard of living in the region of residence.
  • The health and educational needs of the dependent.

Courts are granted the authority to determine alimony temporarily or permanently, and to ensure that payments are enforceable without burdening the beneficiaries.

6. Inheritance and Wills – Expanding Financial Rights

The law introduces significant flexibility in estate planning:

  • It allows wills to be made in favor of relatives or non-relatives, regardless of religion, reflecting the UAE’s respect for diverse personal relationships
  • If a deceased person has no heirs, their estate is transferred to charitable endowments (waqf) under court supervision, ensuring proper allocation of unclaimed assets.

It also sets clear rules for the appointment of guardians and financial custodians for minors, ensuring the preservation and lawful management of their assets.

7. Legal Protection of Family Members

The law emphasizes the protection of family members, especially the elderly and minors, by imposing penalties for:

  • Neglect, abuse, or refusal to support parents.
  • Unauthorized use or misuse of minor’s assets.
  • Non-compliance with custody or alimony rulings.

Additionally, the law shortens litigation timeframes by setting a 30-day limit for appeals before the Court of Appeal or Cassation, helping families resolve disputes quickly and efficiently.

The UAE Personal Status Law of 2025 marks a significant evolution in the country’s family law landscape. It reflects a forward-thinking legislative vision that prioritizes justice, stability, and respect for diversity. The law’s flexible and child-centered approach, combined with its streamlined legal procedures, aims to foster healthier family environments and reduce long-term disputes.

At Mohammad Alsaadi office, we are committed to supporting individuals and families in navigating the legal landscape with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re planning a marriage, facing a family dispute, or need assistance with child custody or inheritance matters, our experienced legal team is here to guide you.

We believe that early legal counsel is key to protecting rights and preventing conflicts, and we invite you to contact us for tailored legal solutions that serve your family’s best interests.

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