Family issues in Dubai—like divorce, child custody, maintenance, inheritance, and child travel bans—are increasingly complex. The UAE Personal Status Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 41 of 2024), effective April 2025, introduced major reforms: unified custody to age 18, no-fault divorce, and improved support terms.
These changes offer more fairness but also legal confusion—especially for expats and non-Muslims. That’s why skilled family lawyers in Dubai are vital to guide families through these challenges confidently.
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The Most Common Family Issues in Dubai
In Dubai, family issues are among the most sensitive legal matters, especially for the city’s diverse population. The most common challenges include:
- Divorce – involving disputes over applicable law (Sharia vs. civil law for non-Muslims).
- Child custody and visitation – complicated by evolving legislation prioritizing joint custody.
- Spousal and child support – determining maintenance obligations post-divorce.
- Inheritance and wills – especially for expatriates without registered wills.
- Travel bans for minors – preventing international relocation without court approval.
- Domestic abuse cases – requiring protection orders or urgent legal intervention.
- Prenuptial agreements – used by couples to define rights before marriage.
Recent changes in UAE family law—like the unified custody age (18), simplified divorce for non-Muslims, and updated civil court options—make legal guidance essential. Whether you’re an Emirati, expat, or mixed-nationality couple, a skilled family lawyer can protect your rights and help you resolve disputes effectively.
Tasks Performed by Family Lawyers in UAE
Here’s how professional family lawyers in Dubai serve their clients:
- Legal guidance on divorce procedures (Sharia vs civil), spousal & child support, alimony.
- Custody representation, ensuring children’s best interests, negotiating arrangements under revised laws.
- Inheritance & wills advice for heirs, drafting legally enforceable instruments.
- Travel ban resolution, filing court petitions for permission to relocate with minors.
- Court representation, appeals, and settlement negotiation at Family Guidance and Sharia Courts.
- DIFC & ADJD representation, for cases under DIFC regulations, by specialists in financial‑center jurisdictions.
Meet the Al Shamsi Legal Team
Here’s a quick reference table of the Al Shamsi family‑law specialists:
| Name | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Obaid Al Shamsi | Lawyer, Legal Consultant & Private Notary Public | +971 50 259 8887 |
| Mohammed Reda | Legal Consultant | +971 50 259 8887 |
| Mohammed Siraj | Legal Consultant | +971 50 259 8887 |
| Shadi Ashour | DIFC Law Specialist | +971 50 259 8887 |
Ali Obaid Al Shamsi
acts as lawyer, legal consultant, and private notary public—ideal for clients seeking comprehensive family‑law services, from divorce filings to will notarisation.
Mohammed Reda
A seasoned legal consultant, Mohammed Reda specializes in child custody, spousal support, and family settlements. He has extensive experience helping both UAE nationals and expatriates navigate personal status cases in Dubai courts, with a focus on achieving amicable, rights-based outcomes.
Mohammed Siraj
Known for his attention to detail, Mohammed Siraj supports clients in drafting prenuptial agreements, calculating maintenance, and filing for child travel permissions. His practice bridges cultural contexts, making him a trusted advisor for mixed-nationality families.
Shadi Ashour
with focus on DIFC law, supports those involved in civil‑law contracts, prenuptial agreements, and asset jurisdiction in the DIFC and AD Judiciary.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Family Lawyer in Dubai
When choosing a family‑law specialist, prioritize these factors:
- Licensure & judicial registration – Ensure they’re registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice and local family courts.
- Expertise in recent law reforms – They should have deep knowledge of the 2024–25 Personal Status Law changes, particularly in child custody, support, and civil marriage/divorce systems.
- Experience with your cultural context – Especially important for expats: the ability to navigate civil or Sharia preferences and international custody implications.
- Track record & reputation – Look for proven success in negotiations, court rulings, and strong advocacy—for example, assisting expatriate mothers lifted by travel‑ban rulings.
- Communication & empathy – Choose lawyers who provide clear, compassionate guidance and responsive support through emotionally challenging proceedings.
- Comprehensive services – Select firms offering full-service capabilities in divorce, inheritance planning, custody, notary services, and DIFC/ADJD coverage.
Choosing experienced family lawyers in Dubai is essential to navigate divorce, custody, or inheritance issues under UAE law. Al Shamsi’s team offers reliable, up-to-date legal support tailored to your family’s needs.
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Read more about Common Causes of Divorce in UAE.
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