How to File a Divorce Case in Dubai
A step-by-step guide to starting a divorce before the Dubai Courts, for Muslim and non-Muslim residents.
In short: to file for divorce in Dubai, first confirm which law applies to you. Then prepare your attested and translated marriage certificate, IDs and children's documents. Muslim couples must open a file at the Family Guidance Section before going to court. Non-Muslim couples can generally file directly under the 2022 Civil Personal Status Law. If there is no settlement, the case is heard by the Personal Status Court, and the judgment can be appealed.
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Step 1: Confirm Which Law Applies
Muslims are governed by the Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024). Non-Muslim expatriates can use the Civil Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022) or, in many cases, their home-country law. This choice decides the grounds, the procedure and the outcome on custody and money. See expat divorce for more on choosing.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | If issued abroad: attested in the issuing country and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator |
| Passports and Emirates IDs | For both spouses, if available |
| Children's birth certificates | Needed for custody and maintenance claims |
| Proof of income and expenses | Salary certificates, rent, school fees, for financial claims |
| Power of attorney | Notarised, if a lawyer will act for you |
Step 3: Family Guidance (Muslim Couples)
The case starts at the Family Guidance Section. A counsellor meets the spouses, usually separately and then together, to try to reconcile them or reach a settlement. If a settlement is reached, it is recorded and ratified. If not, the section issues a referral letter so the case can be filed in court.
Step 4: File the Case in Court
Your lawyer files a statement of claim in Arabic with the Personal Status Court, setting out the divorce request and any claims for custody, maintenance, housing and mahr. Court fees are paid at filing. The other spouse is then formally notified.
Step 5: Hearings and Evidence
The parties exchange written submissions and evidence. The court may hear witnesses or appoint arbitrators or experts. Under the 2022 civil law, a non-Muslim divorce itself can often be granted at an early hearing, with financial and custody issues decided afterwards.
Step 6: Judgment, Appeal and Enforcement
The court issues its judgment on the divorce and related claims. Either side can appeal within the legal deadline. A final judgment is enforced through the execution court, for example if maintenance is not paid.
How Long It Takes
- Mutual consent: often one to two months.
- Contested: usually six months or more, plus any appeal.
Common Filing Mistakes
- Using an unattested foreign marriage certificate, which delays the case.
- Leaving out financial claims at filing and trying to add them later.
- Missing the appeal deadline.
If you and your spouse agree, see mutual divorce in Dubai. For representation, see our divorce lawyers and child custody lawyers.
Stages Of A Divorce Filing
Help with the documents, the family guidance stage and the court filing, for Muslim and non-Muslim spouses.
- Family Guidance Session
- Case Registration
- Document Legalisation
- Sworn Arabic Translation
- Statement Of Claim
- Court Hearings
- Expert Referral Where Ordered
- Judgment And Appeal
- Execution Of The Judgment
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Divorce LawyersFiling, custody, maintenance and settlement for Muslim and non-Muslim spouses.
- Mutual DivorceHow an agreed divorce and settlement is recorded by the court.
- Expat Divorce LawyersChoosing between UAE civil law and your home-country law.
- Child Custody LawyersResidence, visitation, travel and relocation disputes over children.
- Family LawyersMarriage contracts, guardianship and wider family disputes.
- Female LawyersDiscuss family or personal matters with a woman advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
Where Do I File For Divorce In Dubai?
With the Dubai Courts. Muslim couples start at the Family Guidance Section; non-Muslim couples can generally file directly with the Personal Status Court under the 2022 civil law.
Can I File For Divorce In Dubai Online?
Many steps, including filing and fee payment, can be done through the Dubai Courts' electronic services, usually by a lawyer. Some sessions still require attendance.
Can I File For Divorce In Dubai If My Spouse Is Abroad?
Yes, if you are resident in Dubai. The court arranges notification of the spouse abroad, which can add time to the case.
What Documents Are Needed To File For Divorce In Dubai?
An attested and translated marriage certificate, passports and Emirates IDs, children's birth certificates, and evidence of income and expenses for any financial claims.
Can A Wife File For Divorce In Dubai?
Yes. A wife can file for divorce under both the Personal Status Law, including khula or divorce for harm, and the 2022 civil law for non-Muslims.
Have Your Divorce Filing Prepared Correctly
Send your documents and we will confirm what is missing before anything is submitted to the court.
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