UAE introduces new personal status law to strengthen family rights and stability

In a significant move to strengthen family stability and societal cohesion, the UAE has introduced a comprehensive federal decree on personal status law. This updated legislation addresses contemporary challenges faced by families and reflects the nation’s commitment to nurturing strong family ties and promoting community well-being.

By establishing a legal marriage age of 18 and introducing vital protections for family rights, the new law aims to modernize legal processes and foster a more harmonious society. As these changes take effect, they promise to reshape family dynamics and enhance the legal framework surrounding marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance in the UAE.

Key highlights of the law:

• Marriage and Guardianship: The legal marriage age is now 18. Courts can transfer guardianship for marriage if a guardian unreasonably refuses to approve a suitable match, ensuring women’s rights in marriage decisions.
• Divorce and Substance Abuse: A spouse can request a divorce if the other is addicted to drugs, alcohol, or psychoactive substances, addressing concerns about safety and stability within the household.
• Custody and Child Rights: Custody laws have been updated to prioritize the child’s best interests. Children aged 15 and above can now choose which parent to live with, offering greater autonomy in family matters.
• Penalties for Neglect and Abuse: The law introduces penalties for neglecting or abandoning parents, mismanaging inheritance funds, unauthorized travel with minors, and abuse of minors’ property. These measures aim to protect vulnerable family members.
• Simplified Legal Processes: Inheritance, wills, and urgent matters like custody or alimony are exempt from family reconciliation centers, speeding up resolutions. Judges also have more discretion to bypass these centers when necessary.
• Wills and Estates: New provisions regulate wills, including allowances for different religious backgrounds between the testator and beneficiary.

This comprehensive law not only modernizes family-related legal processes but also reinforces the UAE’s focus on fostering family and social stability while addressing pressing societal issues.