New family law governing non-Muslim issued in Abu Dhabi

International practices will be applied to non-Muslim family disputes.

A new law has been passed to regulate personal family disputes for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi.

The decree issued by the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan will see judicial procedures relating to divorce, joint custody of children and inheritance governed in line with international practices.

 

 

The first law of its kind in the world, will also see the concept of civil marriage introduced for non-Muslims if it is the will of both husband and wife.

The new law will consist of 20 articles and is divided into five chapters; marriage procedures (first chapter); divorce procedures (second chapter); post-divorce child custody (third chapter); registration of wills (fourth chapter); and proof of paternity (fifth chapter).

It was also announced by the Judicial Department the establishment of the first court dedicated to non-Muslim family matters.

All procedures of the new court will be bilingual in Arabic and English to help foreigners understand judicial procedures and improve judicial transparency.

 

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