The UAE has made sweeping changes to family law, which will come into effect from April this year.
According to Arab media, amendments have been made to key family laws in the UAE, such as child custody, financial rights, and educational guardianship.
The amendments increase the protection of children and families, including the age limit for marriage, parental abuse, and more.
The age of custody for boys and girls has been extended to 18 years. Before that, children would remain with their mothers.
Under the new provisions, children aged 15 are allowed to choose which parent they want to live with. However, the court will review their choice to see if it is in their best interests.
Children with serious medical or psychological conditions will remain with their mother after the age of 18 unless the court finds that an alternative arrangement better serves the child.
According to the new amendment to the law, non-Muslim mothers are now allowed to take custody of their children above the age of five from their Muslim fathers with the approval of the court.
Similarly, educational guardianship used to primarily rest with the mother but can now be resolved through the urgent matters court.
Under the new amendment to the law on filing custody claims, parents now have one year instead of six months to file custody claims.
Moreover, courts can grant further extensions if the claimants show valid reasons for the delay.
Under the new law, mothers and fathers have been given equal travel rights with children, allowing either parent to travel alone with their child for up to 60 days a year.
Under the new laws, wives can now claim backdated maintenance for up to six months and request an increase in the mandatory amount. They can also demand an increase in the monthly allowance.
Similarly, strict amendments have been introduced regarding the handling of children’s identity documents.
Violation of travel conditions or failure to provide child custody documents may result in a fine of 5,000
