A series of new family laws was introduced in the city of Abu Dhabi especially in last few years. The evolution had revamped the persona and family legal structure for expatriates living in the city. The historic reforms are more inclusive and modern. The new family laws in Abu Dhabi have aligned the local laws and international standards. The changes honor the cultural values of the UAE and also allow more liberty and freedom to expatriates within the UAE.
The efforts have revolutionized marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and many other family laws. This has simplified the family law procedures in the city, offering less complexity. The changes primarily target the non-Muslim residents in Abu Dhabi. They offer alternative civil laws. Previously, it was absent from the region.
As an outcome, the need for legal professionals across the UAE has emerged more than ever before. Professional Abu Dhabi Attorneys carefully handle the family-related matters. They witness the increased cross-emirate advisory, which is credited to the efforts of harmonization in family matters. The well-known Abu Dhabi Law Firms are improving their efforts towards the emerging family laws.
The Marriage as per New Law
The most impacted changes were introduced for civil marriages for non-Muslims. Emirate of Abu Dhabi allows civil marriage agreements only between non-Muslims without considering the Sharia principles or religious aspect.
The registration process of a marriage is a ground breaking move that considers the expatriates who want to register their marriages. Additionally, the civil marriage procedure is more streamlined now. It requires certain documents along with approvals or consent. There is an introduction of a minimal time to facilitate the marriage process. A notable shift has resulted in expediting the marriage process and also urging for a balance between husband and wife.
The earlier practices are more progressive and promote equality. Furthermore, this has also influenced other familial matters like asset division or relocation rights. The seasoned family Lawyers in Abu Dhabi have the potential to advise clients on crucial matters like marriage. This has also revised the existing prenuptial or marital agreements under this new regime.
Divorce under the New Family Laws:
The process of divorce is made simpler and more neutral than earlier practices. Previously, seeking a divorce was often difficult and a lengthy process. It was rather a prolonged procedure. Moreover, if the divorce was initiated by a woman, it was even longer.
The new family law in Abu Dhabi has changed this. The no-fault divorce option was introduced for non-Muslims. This has permitted either of the spouses to seek a divorce. No one needs to prove the wrongdoings or harm to the other party. Please not this point that, it only applies to non-Muslims.
As a result, this has made the divorce process much easier, quicker, and more equitable. Further, it has also made marriage less adversarial for couples. According to the new law, non-Muslim couples no longer automatically refer to reconciliation committees. Afterwards, the court proceedings may commence.
This radical shift in Emirate of Abu Dhabi has resulted in easing the non-Muslim couples going through emotional and mental distress and agony. Law firms here, focus on a progressive stance to provide result driven services to their clients. The involvement of family or divorce Lawyers in Abu Dhabi facilitates the spouses facing domestic violence, divorce, or separation.
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The new laws pertaining to Child Custody and Shared Parenting:
Nevertheless, the new family law redefines the child custody laws. In the past, custody was directly given to the mothers. On the other hand, the father is termed the guardian.
Now the legal framework has offered advantage. It recognized the concept of Joint custody. There is a policy of balancing the parental role between mother and the father.
The redefined offers a favorable outcome that supports equality for both. However, the Courts may find it unsuitable for the child and reverse the decision. The utmost priority is given to the child’s safety and welfare.
Brilliant Abu Dhabi lawyers are capable of handling cross-border custody disputes. It is inevitable that legal advice is sought when moving from jurisdictions.
The law firms in Emirate of Abu Dhabi tackle a vast range of child custody cases, considering various standards and laws for parental rights and responsibilities.
The new family laws for Inheritance and Wills:
The newly enforced law has permitted non-Muslims to apply the home country inheritance laws. Previously, everyone, irrespective of religion, background, or nationality, adhered to sharia law.
The expatriates can legally distribute their assets, property, or inheritance according to their desires.
This promotes the concept of equal distribution among children. Furthermore, it offers testamentary freedom to spouses and support for non-family members.
Nonetheless, to take advantage of this, it is important to register a legal will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. In addition, the local laws can be applied by default.
A family attorney in Abu Dhabi provides invaluable insight into the strategies according to the legislative improvements. In several cases, the translations are required. They provide translation services. Arabic and English are acceptable.
They ensure fair representation and reduce the confusion. They collaborate with other Abu Dhabi or Abu Dhabi attorneys to handle the civil family cases.
This provides consistency in legal support when the matter spans different Emirates. They simplify the due process and also offer expat-friendly procedures in an evolving legal climate.
