Family law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) covers legal matters ranging from family relationships, child custody, inheritance, and maintenance. The legislation of UAE has not encouraged court proceedings in family dispute matters rather has entailed settling such disputes through alternative dispute mechanisms primarily.
The common alternative dispute resolution methods for family law disputes in Dubai are described briefly below.
Mediation: A neutral third party who is a mediator facilitates the communication and negotiation between the disputing parties. The mediation does not have binding implications. However, it aims to reach a mutually accepted agreement. Understanding Mediation in Civil and Commercial Disputes in UAE.
Arbitration: This is a formal process involving a neutral third party as an arbitrator who acts like a judge providing arbitral award binding to the parties in dispute. Arbitration Law in Dubai.
Conciliation: It consists of a neutral third party, known as a conciliator, to assist the disputing parties in reaching a settlement. Family Law Dispute Resolution in UAE.
Family Guidance Committee: For Muslim family matters that are governed by Sharia Law, a family guidance committee within the court system makes an effort to reconcile, especially in matters of divorce. Sharia Law and Family Guidance in UAE.
Collaborative Law: In this mechanism, each party consists of their own attorney, and all parties try to reach a settlement without going to court. Collaborative Family Law in UAE.
Thus, it is important to identify which method of alternative dispute mechanism the parties in dispute should consider in settling such family disputes without going to court. This process is cost-efficient, time effective, and helps to maintain harmony in family relationships, unlike court proceedings. Consulting Legal Experts in Family Law.
