Divorce in the UAE: How the Process Works

The Steps to a Divorce in the UAE

1. 1

   Understand the methods of divorce

   There are two routes. By verbal pronouncement, the husband may divorce his wife by pronouncing the divorce in the presence of a witness or by a documented declaration of evidence. By judicial divorce, either spouse may submit an application for divorce through the court if the divorce is not effected by mutual declaration between the spouses, where there are legal grounds justifying divorce.

2. 2

   Register the divorce application

   One of the spouses, or both together, must register a divorce case with the Family Guidance Section in one of the emirates of the state. A divorce must be registered with the court in order to be official, valid and legally recognised.

3. 3

   Attend the family counsellor meeting

   The meeting with the family counsellor is a mandatory step to complete the divorce procedures in the UAE. Plan for it as a required part of the process, not an optional one.

4. 4

   Document the divorce before the court

   According to Article 58 of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status, the husband must document the divorce before the competent court within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days from the date it occurs.

5. 5

   Know women's rights after divorce

   Divorce gives rise to Sharia and legal obligations, the most important of which are the waiting period (iddah), maintenance, housing, and custody in the event there are children.

6. 6

   Understand alimony under civil divorce

   Among the effects of civil divorce is alimony: a divorced woman may apply to the court for alimony from her former husband after the divorce judgement is issued.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

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