Personal Status & Family

Family law changed significantly with the federal Personal Status Law in force since 15 April 2025. Non-Muslims may instead be covered by the federal Civil Personal Status Law or, in Abu Dhabi, by the emirate's own civil family law.

Which law applies. The applicable law depends on religion, nationality and, for non-Muslims, any choice of law. Non-Muslims may in some cases apply the law of their home country.

Custody until eighteen. Under the 2025 law, custody continues until the child turns eighteen, regardless of gender, and a child aged fifteen may choose which parent to live with, subject to the child's best interests.

Maintenance. Maintenance for a spouse and children is assessed on the needs of those entitled and the means of the person obliged to pay, and can be reviewed when circumstances change.

Paternity. Establishing or denying paternity follows specific rules of proof under the law, and courts may rely on scientific evidence within the limits the law sets.

Family matters are sensitive and often benefit from a negotiated outcome. Gather the marriage contract, birth certificates and evidence of income and expenses before any meeting or hearing.

Legal framework
Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 (Personal Status Law), in force from 15 April 2025
Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status (non-Muslims), in force from 1 February 2023
Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its Effects, as amended

The transitional application of the 2025 law to cases pending at its commencement, and the exact article references cited in commentary, require verification against the official text.