Children’s custody issues constitute some of the most important areas that come up during divorces or disputes within families. Custody issues in the UAE are always resolved based on what is in the best interest of the child. If you are a resident or an expatriate in the UAE, it will be useful for you to learn about the laws in the UAE relating to children’s custody.
In case you have any questions about child custody, it will be wise for you to consult professional lawyers who have experience in this area. Our firm offers legal services in the UAE for all those people with concerns about child custody, divorce and other related family issues.
Understanding Child Custody Laws in Dubai
Child custody under UAE laws means the responsibility of taking care of and bringing up a child after the separation or divorce of parents. The laws make a distinction between two significant categories:
Custody: Taking care of, nurturing, and looking after the well-being of the child.
Guardianship: Financial, educational, and other responsibilities regarding the child’s well-being and affairs.
In most cases, the mother receives custody of the younger children, whereas the father continues to be the guardian. But each case is taken on an individual basis depending on the best interests of the child.
Factors Considered by UAE Courts
Some of the factors taken into account by Dubai courts when awarding custody include:
1. Best Interest of the Child
The number one factor will always be what is best for the physical, emotional, educational, and psychological development of the child.
2. Financial Stability
Whether the parent in question is financially capable of providing everything from education to health and housing to anything else.
3. Emotional Bond
The connection of each of the parents to the child will also matter since it will determine who is able to create a good environment for the child.
4. Living Conditions
The child requires a safe and healthy living condition, which must be considered while awarding custody.
5. Parents’ Conduct
This is also another important consideration that involves the general conduct of each of the parents.
Custody Rights for Expatriates
Dubai’s residents hail from various countries; therefore, dealing with such cases involves more complicated family law. Sometimes, depending on various factors, expatriates have the opportunity to apply laws of their native country if some conditions are fulfilled. Nonetheless, many child custody disputes are still settled in accordance with UAE legislation.
It is the reason why one should consider consulting an attorney to understand how to solve the issue legally. A competent Dubai lawyer will help you realize which law works in your particular case.
Can Child Custody Agreement Be Changed?
Certainly. Child custody agreement does not always remain unchanged. Any party can ask for changing it if there were some considerable changes:
- Movement of either parent
- Financial changes
- Security issues related to a child
- Remarriage of either parent and other important events
- Necessities of the child
Everything is evaluated very thoroughly by the court to make sure that the changes work for the good of the child.
Visitation Rights
Although one of the parents is granted the right to have custody, the other parent may still be given visitation rights, unless there are extraordinary circumstances.
The Dubai courts promote involvement of both parents in the child’s life as much as possible. The schedule for visitations ensures that both parents have healthy relations, while the child remains stable.
In case of any dispute regarding the visitations arrangements, it may be helpful to use the services of a lawyer from UAE.
Why You Should Hire an Experienced Dubai Attorney
There are many reasons why you should hire an attorney specializing in family law issues:
- Explain your rights
- Prepare necessary legal documents
- Represent you in court
- Help with custody negotiations
- Consultation on international custody agreements
- Guarantees for protection of your and children’s rights
Hiring a lawyer will relieve you from stress and will help you to avoid any legal mistakes.
How Charter Legal Can Help
The resolution of child custody disputes needs knowledge of laws, compassion, and experience. Charter Legal offers a full range of legal services in the UAE to guide parents through the entire process of child custody.
Expert legal consultants of Charter Legal provide personalised legal consulting services in order to help parents to understand UAE law, collect documents, represent them in court and make decisions that will be in favour of the child’s welfare. No matter what kind of problems in local or international family law arise, Charter Legal aims to provide the most reliable legal assistance.
Conclusion
Child custody disputes are always emotional, but knowledge of UAE law will allow making proper decision and secure the future of the child. As every family situation is different, getting legal consultation is vital at the beginning.
Working with an experienced Dubai lawyer will ensure that you will get professional assistance during the whole process. Using legal services from UAE Charter Legal guides parents through child custody matters.