The UAE has introduced new marriage, divorce, and child custody laws that will take effect from April 15, 2025.
Below is a quick overview of key changes in UAE marriage laws:
New Rules Under UAE Marriage, Divorce, and Child Custody Laws
1. UAE Marriage Laws 2025: Key Changes in Marriage Rules
The 2025 UAE marriage law update introduces clear legal guidelines on marriage age, consent, and spousal rights. These changes impact both citizens and expatriates, ensuring fairness in marriage regulations.
Marriage Age and Consent Rules
The minimum legal marriage age is now 18 years for both men and women.
If a person over 18 years old faces guardian refusal, they have the right to appeal to a judge.
Muslim non-citizen women can marry without guardian approval if their nationality laws do not require it.
Marriage Age Gap Restrictions
If a woman is 30 years younger than her future husband, court approval is required.
This rule applies to first-time marriages only.
The court assesses the couple’s compatibility before granting approval.
Legal Engagement and Gift Returns
The UAE Personal Status Law now provides a clear definition of engagement:
Engagement is not marriage. It is a marriage request and a promise, not a legal contract.
If an engagement is called off, gifts exceeding AED 25,000 can be reclaimed.
Consumable gifts cannot be returned.
If a gift was given on the condition of marriage, it must be returned in kind or at its market value.
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2. Marriage Home and Living Arrangements Under New UAE Laws
The 2025 UAE marriage law update also defines spouses’ rights to the marital home and who can legally reside in it.
Legal Residence Rights
A wife has the right to live in a marital home unless a different agreement exists in the marriage contract.
The husband can reside with his parents or children from previous marriages only if he provides financial support and it does not harm the wife.
A wife can reside with her children from a previous marriage if:
They do not have another guardian
Separation would harm them
The husband agrees explicitly or implicitly
Rules for Shared Marital Homes
If both spouses own or rent the marital home together, neither can allow another person to live there without mutual consent.
The husband has the right to withdraw consent if a wife’s co-residents cause harm.
Who Can Legally Reside in the Marital Home?
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3. UAE Divorce Laws 2025: Key Amendments in Divorce Procedures
The new UAE divorce laws simplify legal proceedings while ensuring fairness in financial settlements.
Court-Ordered Divorce (Tatleeq) Introduced
Either spouse can petition the court for divorce under specific conditions.
Grounds for Tatleeq divorce include:
Substance addiction (drugs or alcohol)
Physical or emotional abuse
Financial abandonment
Mental incapacity or severe illness
The mandatory arbitration period for divorce has been reduced from 90 to 60 days.
This change prevents prolonged disputes and reduces financial strain.
Mandatory Documentation in Divorce Cases
A husband must officially document divorce or reconciliation within 15 days.
Failure to document divorce allows the wife to claim compensation equivalent to alimony.
The law clarifies the wife’s rights to the marital home after divorce.
Divorce Settlement and Financial Rights
Fathers are responsible for financial support until a child becomes self-sufficient.
If the father cannot provide support, the mother is required to contribute, with the right to seek reimbursement.
The father must cover legal document expenses for the child, including passport and ID renewals.
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4. UAE Child Custody Laws 2025: Major Changes in Parental Rights
The new UAE child custody laws introduce clear custody rights based on the child’s best interests.
New Custody Age Limit
Custody now extends until the child turns 18 for both boys and girls.
Children aged 15 and above can choose which parent to live with.
Parental Authority and Legal Rights
The custodial mother has educational authority over the child.
Custodial parents retain the child’s passport and ID unless a judge rules otherwise.
If custody is violated, the guardian can request legal intervention.
Financial Responsibility for Children
Fathers must provide financial support until children are self-sufficient.
If an adult child has a disability, the father must continue financial support.
If the father is unable to provide, the mother contributes but has the right to seek reimbursement.
5. Parental Rights and Custody Disputes Under UAE Child Custody Laws
The new UAE child custody laws prioritize the child’s well-being while ensuring fair parental rights. The amendments define custodial rights, responsibilities, and legal procedures in case of disputes.
Custody Priorities and Conditions
Custody is granted based on the child’s best interests, not the parent’s gender.
The custodial parent has the right to make decisions regarding the child’s education and healthcare.
Custody automatically ends when the child turns 18, unless the court rules otherwise.
Children aged 15 and above can choose which parent to live with.
Legal Responsibilities of Custodial and Non-Custodial Parents
Resolving Custody Disputes
If parents disagree, the court will decide custody based on the child's welfare.
The custodial parent must ensure financial stability and a safe environment.
A parent found guilty of negligence, abuse, or abandonment may lose custody rights.
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6. Financial Responsibilities and Child Support Under UAE Laws
The 2025 UAE child custody laws reinforce financial obligations for parents, ensuring children’s stability and well-being.
Child Support Rules for Parents
The father remains financially responsible until the child is self-sufficient.
If the child has a disability, the father must continue financial support.
If the father cannot provide, the mother may contribute but has the right to seek reimbursement.
Financial Obligations After Divorce
The non-custodial parent must provide financial aid covering:
Education costs
Healthcare expenses
Living essentials
If financial support is not provided, the custodial parent can file a legal claim.
Financial Responsibilities of Parents Post-Divorce
Penalties for Failing to Pay Child Support
Failure to pay child support can result in legal action and fines.
The court can enforce wage deductions to secure payments.
Repeated failure to provide financial aid may lead to legal penalties or imprisonment.
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7. UAE Divorce Laws: Legal Process and New Amendments
The 2025 UAE divorce laws introduce faster legal procedures, clear financial settlements, and structured divorce rights.
Court-Ordered Divorce (Tatleeq) Explained
The law now recognizes Tatleeq, allowing either spouse to petition for divorce under conditions such as:
Substance addiction (drugs, alcohol)
Physical or emotional abuse
Neglect or financial abandonment
Mental illness or incapacity
Faster Divorce Arbitration Period
The divorce arbitration period is now reduced from 90 to 60 days.
This ensures quicker legal resolutions and prevents unnecessary delays.
Mandatory Documentation for Divorce
Husbands must officially document a divorce or reconciliation within 15 days.
If divorce is not registered, the wife can claim compensation equal to alimony.
Division of Marital Assets
Assets acquired during marriage will be equitably divided.
If one spouse was financially dependent, they may be entitled to financial compensation.
The court determines asset division based on:
Contribution to the household
Financial dependency
Length of the marriage
Key Divorce Law Amendments in 2025
Tatleeq divorce introduced for abuse, neglect, or addiction cases.
Arbitration period reduced to 60 days for faster case resolution.
Husbands must register divorces within 15 days, or the wife can claim compensation.
Asset division determined by court, considering financial contributions.
8. UAE Marriage and Divorce Laws: Mandatory Documentation Updates
The 2025 legal changes require strict documentation compliance for marriage, divorce, and financial settlements.
Updated Documentation Requirements
All marriages and divorces must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice.
Failure to register a divorce allows the wife to claim financial compensation.
Detailed records of financial support must be kept for legal proceedings.
Required Legal Documentation
Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to document a marriage or divorce can result in fines and legal consequences.
Incorrect financial documentation can lead to court disputes and penalties.
Fraudulent claims or withholding financial support may result in legal prosecution.
All marriages and divorces must be legally documented.
Financial records must be maintained to avoid legal disputes.
Failure to comply with documentation laws may result in fines and legal action.
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9. Penalties and Legal Consequences Under UAE Marriage and Divorce Laws
The 2025 UAE marriage, divorce, and child custody laws introduce strict penalties for violations, ensuring compliance and protection of legal rights.
Fines and Imprisonment for Violations
The new law enforces penalties for:
Failure to document a divorce within 15 days → Fine or compensation claim.
Failure to pay child support → Wage deductions or legal penalties.
Traveling with a child without permission → Imprisonment or fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000.
Misusing a child's legal documents → Court action and restriction of custodial rights.
Neglecting parental responsibilities → Possible loss of custody and financial penalties.
Penalties Under UAE Family Laws 2025
UAE courts have strict enforcement mechanisms for ensuring legal compliance.
Violators may face court orders, asset seizures, or travel bans.
Authorities can investigate and penalize misconduct related to child support, marriage, and divorce.
10. Impact of the New UAE Laws on Ongoing Divorce and Custody Cases
The 2025 UAE divorce and child custody laws apply to ongoing and future legal cases, leading to revisions in existing court decisions.
Application of the New Law to Existing Cases
All ongoing divorce and custody cases will follow the new legal provisions starting April 15, 2025.
Cases related to financial settlements, child custody, and documentation compliance will be reviewed under updated rules.
Disputes filed before 2025 may require legal reassessment under the new guidelines.
Key Changes Affecting Ongoing Cases
Parents involved in ongoing custody battles should seek legal consultation to understand how the new laws affect them.
Divorcing spouses should ensure all financial documents are updated before filing new claims.
Legal professionals are advising clients to adapt their custody and financial support agreements according to the latest provisions.
11. Equal Rights for Expatriates in UAE Marriage and Divorce Laws
The UAE marriage and divorce laws 2025 introduce expanded legal rights for expatriates, ensuring greater flexibility and legal clarity.
Marriage and Divorce Rights for Expatriates
Muslim expatriate women no longer require a guardian’s approval to marry if their home country does not mandate it.
Expatriates can choose to follow their home country’s laws or UAE laws for marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance.
Legal Options for Expatriate Couples
New Legal Protections for Expatriate Women
Divorced expatriate women in the UAE now have equal access to marital property rights.
Financial claims and alimony settlements can be filed under UAE laws even if the marriage was conducted abroad.
Expatriate women can retain UAE residency after divorce if they are financially independent.
12. UAE Marriage and Divorce Laws: Mandatory Documentation Updates
The 2025 legal changes require strict documentation compliance for marriage, divorce, and financial settlements.
Updated Documentation Requirements
Marriage contracts must be legally registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice.
All divorces must be officially documented within 15 days of the court ruling.
Financial records are mandatory for child support and alimony cases.
Required Legal Documentation
Failure to register marriage or divorce may lead to legal penalties and fines.
Unregistered financial claims may be dismissed by UAE courts.
Non-compliance with child support documentation can result in wage deductions or legal action.
13. Parental Travel Rights and Child Relocation Laws
The 2025 UAE child custody laws introduce equal parental travel rights and clear relocation guidelines.
Parental Travel Rights
Both parents now have equal rights to travel with their children for up to 60 days annually.
Any extended travel period requires court approval.
Unauthorized travel with minors may result in legal consequences.
Child Relocation Guidelines
A parent cannot relocate the child to another country without court approval.
If a custodial parent wants to move, the non-custodial parent has the right to object.
The court will decide based on the child’s best interests.
14. How UAE Families Can Adapt to the New Laws
The 2025 legal changes bring clarity and fairness to marriage, divorce, and child custody matters. Families, legal professionals, and expatriates must understand and adapt to these regulations to ensure compliance and safeguard their rights.
Steps to Adjust to the Legal Changes
Ensure marriage and divorce documentation is updated with the Ministry of Justice.
Consult legal experts if facing an ongoing divorce or custody dispute.
Maintain financial records to avoid legal penalties.
Understand new child custody laws and seek legal advice if relocating with children.
The 2025 legal reforms provide greater legal clarity and fairness for families in the UAE. By complying with updated laws, individuals can ensure smooth legal proceedings and protect their rights and responsibilities.
Final Wrap-Up
The new UAE marriage, divorce, and child custody laws bring greater legal clarity and protections for families. The key changes include an increase in child custody age to 18, faster divorce procedures, and enhanced rights for women in marriage decisions.
These reforms ensure that legal processes are transparent and that parental responsibilities are well-defined. Families should stay informed about these updates to ensure compliance and protect their rights. Consulting legal professionals and keeping financial documentation updated will help in navigating these legal changes smoothly.
FAQs on UAE Marriage, Divorce, and Child Custody Laws
Who has custody of the child after divorce in UAE?
Under the 2025 UAE child custody laws, custody is given to the mother until the child turns 18. The father retains guardianship, which means he is responsible for financial matters and legal decision-making. Once the child reaches 15 years of age, they can choose which parent they want to live with. Custody decisions are always based on what is in the best interest of the child.
What is the new marriage law in UAE?
The UAE marriage law effective April 15, 2025, has introduced changes that provide women more autonomy in marriage decisions. The minimum marriage age is now set at 18 years, and women can marry without guardian approval if their home country’s laws allow it. Court approval is required for marriages where the age difference exceeds 30 years. The law also simplifies the engagement and marriage registration process.
How to get child custody in the UAE?
A custody case is handled by the UAE Family Courts. Judges evaluate several factors, including the child’s age, financial stability of the parents, and overall well-being. The law prioritizes the child’s best interests, meaning custody can be granted to either parent based on their ability to provide a stable and supportive environment. Children aged 15 and above have the right to choose which parent they prefer to live with.
What are father’s rights in the UAE?
Fathers hold legal guardianship over their children, giving them authority over financial matters, education, and travel decisions. However, if the mother has custody, the father must still provide financial support for education, healthcare, and living expenses. Fathers can also request a custody review in court if they believe the child’s welfare is at risk.
Can a father take a child from his mother in the UAE?
Fathers cannot take a child from the custodial mother without a legal ruling. Custody is granted to the mother until the child turns 18, unless the court deems her unfit due to neglect, abuse, or an inability to provide care. If a dispute arises, the court evaluates the child’s best interests before making a decision.
What is the new law for divorce in UAE?
The 2025 UAE divorce law introduces the Tatleeq process, allowing either spouse to file for divorce in cases of neglect, abuse, addiction, or financial irresponsibility. The arbitration period for divorce cases has been reduced from 90 days to 60 days, ensuring quicker resolutions. Husbands must document a divorce within 15 days, and failing to do so can result in financial penalties.
How much does it cost to get married in the UAE?
The standard civil marriage fee in the UAE is AED 300. For those who wish to expedite the process, an express marriage service is available for AED 2,500.
Additional costs may apply for notarization and document translation.
What are the financial responsibilities of parents after divorce?
After a divorce, fathers are required to provide financial support for their children until they are self-sufficient. If the father is unable to pay, the mother may contribute, but she has the right to seek reimbursement.
Can a father sponsor his married daughter in UAE?
No, a father cannot sponsor a married daughter’s UAE residency visa. Fathers can only sponsor their unmarried daughters, regardless of their age. Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25. Once a woman is married, her residency must be sponsored by her husband.
How are assets divided in a divorce in UAE?
The division of assets in a UAE divorce depends on the nature of ownership:
Personal property remains with the owner.
Joint accounts and shared properties are divided equally unless otherwise stated.
Marital homes are awarded based on the financial capacity of the spouses and the needs of the children.
Courts assess financial contributions before determining asset division.
What is the penalty for failing to document a divorce?
Failure to document a divorce within 15 days can lead to fines or financial compensation claims.
What is the minimum time required for a divorce in UAE?
The duration of a divorce depends on whether it is contested or mutual:
Mutual Divorce: 6 months
Contested Divorce: Up to 18 months
The new laws aim to reduce legal delays, cutting the arbitration period from 90 to 60 days for faster settlements.
Can a single mother bring her child to the UAE?
Yes, a single mother can sponsor her child’s UAE residency visa if she meets the following conditions:
Holds a valid UAE residency visa.
Has a legal custody order.
Meets the required salary threshold.
A single mother may need to submit additional legal documents to prove custody.
Can a mother travel with her child without the father’s permission?
Both parents now have equal rights to travel with their child for up to 60 days annually. Extended travel requires:
Written consent from the non-traveling parent.
Court approval in case of disputes.
Unauthorized travel with a minor can lead to legal penalties.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. The details mentioned are based on the best available information at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice by the respective authorities. Readers are encouraged to consult the relevant offices directly for the most accurate and updated information.