UAE Introduces New Law to Protect Families

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The UAE government has announced updates to personal status laws, focusing on family stability and rights.

UAE Introduces New Law to Protect Families

Key Highlights of the New Law

The UAE's updated personal status law includes several amendments designed to enhance family cohesion and protect vulnerable members of society. Here's what you need to know:

Penalties for Abuse and Neglect

Legal penalties now apply to cases of mistreatment, abuse, or neglect of parents, including abandoning them without care or refusing to provide financial support when needed.

Strict penalties have been introduced for offenses involving minors, such as misusing their inheritance, embezzling estate funds, or taking them out of the country without permission.

New Provisions for Inheritance and Wills

The law introduces clearer rules for managing wills and inheritance disputes.

Certain inheritance and custody-related matters are exempt from being referred to family reconciliation and guidance centres, ensuring quicker resolutions.

Simplified Family Reconciliation Procedures

Judges can now decide whether to refer cases to family reconciliation centres, expediting legal processes in urgent or temporary cases related to alimony and custody.

Legal Age for Marriage and Guardianship Transfers

The legal age for marriage is set at 18, with provisions allowing courts to facilitate guardianship transfers for marriage when necessary.

Grounds for Divorce Expanded

Either spouse can now request a divorce if the other is addicted to drugs, alcohol, or psychoactive substances, prioritizing the safety and well-being of family members.

Child Custody Focused on Best Interests

Children aged 15 and above are granted the right to choose which parent they wish to live with, ensuring their preferences are considered.

UAE Introduces New Law to Protect Families

Strengthening Families and Communities

The updated law underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering family stability and protecting individual rights. By addressing key issues such as abuse, financial neglect, and substance addiction, the government aims to create a safer and more cohesive society.

UAE Introduces New Law to Protect Families