We are pleased to announce that Dr. Hassan Elhais has been recognized as a leading family lawyer by Spears 500, earning the distinction as one of the best legal minds for high-net-worth individuals.
We proudly announces Dr. Hassan Elhais's continued recognition in the 2026 Chambers and Partners rankings for Family/Matrimonial services to High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE.
It gives us immense pleasure to announce that Dr. Hassan Elhais, Legal consultant has been awarded the Best Legal Consultant of the year 2025 in Dubai, by Corporate INTL.
We would like to congratulate Dr. Hassan Elhais on his continued recognition in the 2025 Chambers and Partners rankings for Family/Matrimonial services to High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE.
We proudly announces Dr. Hassan Elhais's continued recognition in the 2024 Chambers and Partners rankings for Family/Matrimonial services to High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE.
Concerned about your children's future after separation? Understanding how UAE custody law works is the first step to protecting your relationship with them.
Child custody in the UAE refers to the right to take care of a child, and decide what is best for them, after the separation or divorce of the parents. Recent reforms have altered the division of custody and guardianship with the best interest of the child being the highest priority. An experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Dubai will help you establish and protect proper arrangements through the family courts.
Child custody in the UAE means the legal responsibility for a child’s day-to-day care (custody) and for major decisions and financial provision (guardianship) after parents separate. UAE law has traditionally distinguished between the two roles.
Custody is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status, effective 15 April 2025, for Muslims. A significant reform extended the custody to continue until the child reaches 18, after which the child may choose. The civil framework for non-Muslims includes joint, gender-neutral custody as a starting point.
All custody decisions are made in the context of best interests of the child. Dr. Hassan Elhais, Senior Legal Consultant, said the recent reforms have brought UAE custody law closer to international norms, particularly regarding the duration of custody and the role of both parents.
Custody (hadana) — physical care and upbringing of the child
Guardianship (wilaya) — responsibility for major decisions and financial support
Joint custody — shared arrangement available under the civil framework for non-Muslims
Establishing the right arrangement requires, the careful attention to the applicable law, and the child's needs.
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Types of Custody Matters in Dubai
There are many types of custody issues in UAE and each of them is handled by a Child Custody Lawyer in Dubai.
Custody After Divorce
Determining which parent holds day-to-day custody and how guardianship and decision-making are allocated following a divorce.
Joint Custody (Non-Muslim Families)
The civil personal status system provides for joint custody between parents, as a default starting point, on an equal and gender-neutral basis.
Variation of Custody Orders
An existing custody arrangement can be reviewed, and changed to best serve the interests of the child, if things change.
Custody Disputes & Relocation
Disputes over a custodian's conduct, or a proposed relocation of the child within or outside the UAE, require careful legal handling.
The Child Custody Process in Dubai – Step by Step
The family courts in Dubai make custody decisions with the wellbeing of the child as their top priority.
Child Custody in Dubai
Step 1: Assessment of the Child's Circumstances
We review:
The applicable legal framework
Current living and care arrangements
Each parent's circumstances
The child's needs and, where relevant, wishes
Step 2: Family Guidance & Agreement
We pursue:
Referral to the Family Guidance and Reform Centre
An agreed parenting and custody arrangement
Documentation of any agreement reached
Step 3: Filing the Custody Application
We prepare and submit:
The custody petition before the family court
Evidence supporting the proposed arrangement
Provisions on guardianship and decision-making
Step 4: Hearings & Custody Order
We handle:
Representation at custody hearings
Responses to the other parent's case
Enforcement or variation of the resulting order
Custody outcomes turn on demonstrating what truly serves the child. And your Child Custody Lawyer in Dubai, presents the case clearly, and protects your parental role.
Cost Discussion Framework
Legal fees in custody matters depend on the nature of the dispute. Factors include:
Whether custody is agreed or contested
Complexity of the family circumstances
Relocation or cross-border elements
Number of hearings required
Any variation or enforcement proceedings
During your consultation, we provide a transparent fee structure suited to your matter.
Addressing Common Client Concerns
Until what age does custody continue in the UAE?
The 2024 Muslim personal status law now allows custody until the child is 18, and then the child has the option.
Can non-Muslim parents get joint custody?
Yes. The civil personal status framework, provides for joint custody, regardless of gender, as a default starting point.
What does the court prioritize?
In every custody decision, the welfare of the child is the primary consideration.
Can a custody order be changed later?
Yes. The court can review, and vary an existing custody arrangement, if circumstances change.
Confidentiality is strictly maintained at all times.
Why Choose Dr. Hassan Elhais & Our Child Custody Lawyer in Dubai
Dr. Hassan Elhais, is a Senior Legal Consultant, and family law specialist, elected co-chair of an international committee on the relocation of children, with deep experience in UAE custody matters.
Proven experience in custody and guardianship cases
Multilingual legal team
Representation for expats and cross-border families
Strict confidential handling of sensitive matters
Child-focused, structured legal strategy
We operate in strict compliance with the UAE personal status law, and the court procedure.
Trust & Compliance
We provide professional ethical custody representation in accordance with UAE law. We offer advice specific to your family situation, communicated transparently and no false promises. All consultations are fully confidential.
Take Immediate Action
Custody decisions impact your relationship with your children for years. Early legal help can help you to obtain a proper, stable arrangement, and protect your role as a parent.
It is the legal responsibility for a child's day-to-day care and for major decisions and financial provision after parents separate, traditionally split between custody and guardianship.
