Practice areas
Family & Personal Status
Family matters need discretion as much as legal skill. We advise and represent clients in personal-status cases with care and confidentiality.
We handle
- Divorce and separation
- Custody, guardianship and visitation
- Maintenance and housing
- Inheritance distribution and estate disputes
- Representation at the family guidance stage and in court
Situations we often see
“We are separating and I need to understand my rights”
We explain your position on divorce, custody, maintenance and housing calmly and privately, before any step is taken.
“I need to settle arrangements for the children”
Custody, guardianship and visitation are decided around the children's interests. We help you reach arrangements that work, by agreement where possible.
“A family estate has to be divided”
We clarify the heirs and their shares, review the estate's assets and help the family divide them, by agreement or before the court.
How we approach it
- 01
Discretion
Family matters stay private. We meet you in confidence and share only what the process requires.
- 02
Agreement where possible
The family guidance stage is a real chance to settle. We prepare you for it seriously.
- 03
Firm where necessary
When agreement fails, we present your case clearly before the personal-status court.
- 04
Children first
Arrangements for children are built around their stability and best interests.
What to bring
- Marriage contract
- Children's birth certificates and passports
- Emirates ID and passport copies
- Evidence of income and expenses
- Tenancy or housing documents
- For estates: death certificate, list of heirs and assets
Questions clients ask
What is the family guidance stage?
Before most personal-status cases reach the court, the parties attend family guidance sessions that try to reconcile them or reach an agreement. Many matters are settled at this stage. We prepare you and attend with you where permitted.
Which law applies to my family matter?
That depends on your nationality, religion and how your marriage was concluded. UAE law applies different rules to Muslims and non-Muslims in some matters, so we confirm the applicable law at the consultation.
Will my matter be kept confidential?
Yes. Advocates are bound by professional secrecy, and personal-status hearings are not public.
Discuss your matter with an advocate
Send us a short summary of your matter. We confirm there is no conflict of interest, then ask for your documents. We aim to reply within one working day.