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Can Lawyers in UAE Represent Family Matters?

Family matters or family members are not often advised as a client for a lawyer. Nonetheless, sometimes situation so arises that it leads a lawyer in UAE to take up the matter in his hands, especially when the immediate family is involved, who are in need of legal help or representation, as they only look up to the guidance of such lawyers in UAE who are part of the family, owing to the trust they have on each other. There are always two sides of a coin. One must be willing to enjoy the representation by a lawyer who is a part of family, but there are some drawbacks that are attached to it.

If we look at the practical aspect, a lawyer is free to represent anyone. But one must look at the gray areas before representing a family member, along with the type of case he has. One must have a fair idea about the family matter he is handling, especially in the case where the subject matter is divorce or end-of-life matters.

The benefits attached to represent the family matters is, firstly, there is a trust relationship between the lawyer and the person he is representing. Secondly, even if a lawyer is just representing a family member or a family matter, such family member can help the lawyer to create his client base. Further, as your experience enhances, it will ensue within the lawyer a sense of confidence along with the credibility. Thirdly, on the basis of the closeness of lawyer’s relationship with the relative as well as the financial situation of the relative, whose family matter is being represented by the lawyer, the lawyer has option to regard the case as pro-bono or can also continue to provide his services at minimum rate or discounted rate.

Along with the positive aspect, there are some downfalls to it also. In case a lawyer loses the case of family matter, he may experience sourness in his relationship with the family members for quite a duration. Not only this, if the case involves someone close to the lawyer, emotions might play a driving force in that legal matter.

There might be times, when scrutinizing the case of a family matter is quite necessary, so as to ensure that these negative drawbacks do not ride over the positive effects of such representation. To avoid such a situation, a lawyer must take into consideration that he has kept the flow of communication as simple and as transparent as it can be. He might also have to put extra efforts in order to understand every aspect of the matter at all stages and from every parties point of view. He must from the start make sure that the family members are not getting any false expectations and the rate of success is properly communicated to them from the very beginning. This means that the family member should be told from the beginning if the case will turn in favor.

Disclaimer:
The above information might not apply if both parties are non-muslim. Starting from the 1st of February 2023, UAE issued specific family law to be applied between non-muslim expat residents in case none of them wanted to apply his/her home country’s law in the UAE.
To know more information about this law, please feel free to click this link.