UAE new family law : 15 key changes (custody, procedure, rights)

Effective since April 2025, the personal status reform has fundamentally reshaped family law in the UAE. The reform aims for clarity, equality and protection, aligning with international benchmarks while respecting local values. Here are the most salient changes.

Custody until 18

Extended custody to age 18 promotes educational stability and continuity for teenagers.

Stronger rights for non Muslim mothers

Enhanced protection for custody retention beyond age 5 in mixed religion families reflects the UAE’s demographic diversity.

Equal travel rights

Both parents hold symmetrical travel rights with conditions (consents, safeguards) to prevent unilateral decisions.

Streamlined divorce

Mandatory conciliation meetings, broader grounds (e.g., prolonged unjustified abstinence) and clearer procedural steps.

Clarified maintenance

Clearer guidelines for spousal/child support, proportionate to the payer’s means.

Joint custody

Introduction and promotion of shared custody where family conditions are suitable.

Extended timelines

Longer windows for custody claims (e.g., up to one year), with possible extensions where justified.

Teenagers’ voice

Youths aged 15–18 may express a preference for their custodial parent, subject to maturity and best interests.

Marriage procedures for non residents

Simplified processes, easing formal marriages for non resident expatriates.

Recognition of foreign marriages/divorces

Wider recognition of foreign acts under conditions (competent authority, regularity) benefits expatriates.

Domestic violence protection

Strengthened emergency measures and support services to protect victims.

Mediation and ADR

Greater promotion of alternative dispute resolution (mediation, family arbitration) to de escalate and reduce court burdens.

Divorce invalidity grounds clarified

Nullity in cases of duress, extreme anger, temporary incapacity, or pronouncement during the waiting period.

Documentation duties

Stronger documentation requirements (e.g., Talaq within 15 days), securing wives’ financial rights.

Specialist guidance

Given the technical nature of the reforms, specialist counsel is advisable (shared custody, support, cross border recognition).

The 2025 reform combines predictability with flexibility : clearer guardrails (timelines, grounds, documentation) and greater focus on the child’s interests (shared custody, youth voice). Tailored advice remains key to applying these changes to your situation.

Our lawyers, who are experts in family law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Family Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
09 72 34 24 72