UAE Introduces New Family Law 2025: Extending Custody Rights for Mothers

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A new family law has recently been announced in the UAE, which will come into force on January 1, 2025, lifting the status of women and reforming family laws. The changed law, which importantly enhances the custody rights of mothers, addresses the fighting spirit of the country towards the end of discriminating the rights of women and the changes in societal culture. This blog focuses on exploring the flip side of the law, changing the viewpoint of families in the UAE, and social correlation between law and gender equality/family health.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Family Law

 

The changes to UAE’s family law deal with many issues relating to child custody, divorce, maintenance, and family protection. But the one that has received the most attention is the provision that gave extra custody rights to mothers. Here’s what you need to know about the key changes:

  • Child custody age is extended  from 11 to 18 for boys and 13 to 18 for girls.
  • Children aged 15 and above are granted the right to choose their custodial parent.
  • Non-Muslim mothers can retain custody of their children beyond the age of five, subject to court approval, promoting greater equality in custody decisions.
  • The deadline for filing custody claims has been extended to 1 year, with possible extensions.
  • Wives are permitted to claim up to six months of retroactive maintenance, safeguarding financial rights in unresolved cases.
  • Both parents are granted equal rights to travel with their children, promoting balanced parental involvement.

1. Change in the Custody Rights of Children in Favour of Mothers

Mothers are awarded improved credibility to custody rights in the new law thus there is balance in the sharing of parental duties. Earlier, the custody decisions usually involved more consideration of the father, and his rights, particularly when the child attained certain ages. The reform now extends the ability of mothers to care for their offspring for a longer period and prioritize the best interest of the child.

Also read the father’s sole custody in UAE, age limit and when can father seek sole custody.

2. Best Interests of the Child Principle

The changes made to the law ensure that the best interest of the child is the major reason for custody determinations. Judges will then evaluate the child based on need to be emotionally supported, educationally enhanced, and psychologically helped rather than being a strict male or female child. This positive approach to the subject reveals the proper approach towards the rules of family law currently internationally.

3. Simplified Process of Child Custody Cases

In order to reduce the likelihood of disputes and legal actions involving custody differences, and in order to make receiving such a decision much faster, new legislation will contain simplified processes pertaining to the combating of custody. Facilitation and counselling are provided in order to promote the best interests of the child by minimizing parental conflict.

4. Support for Divorced Women

Besides custody reforms, the given law also contains provisions concerning a divorced woman, for instance, the state will give her a proper alimony and ensure her access to a lawyer. These measures which are supposed to make a positive impact towards the overall probability and success of different single motherhood endeavors are bent at improving both the financial and social conductivity of single mothers

5. Implications for Families in the UAE

The introduction of this progressive family law heralds numerous positive outcomes for families across the UAE:

6. Empowering Women

Expanding custody rights with regard to children enables women to prominently and persistently assume their responsibilities as mothers. Besides boosting gender equity issues it also regards the efforts of mothers in the formation of the future generation.

7. Strengthening Family Bonds

The new regulation promotes shared parenting so that both parents are involved in the upbringing of the children. This makes for healthier family relationships especially because most families end up separated or divorced.

8. Promoting Child Welfare

Given that the main rule of every child custody case is the best interest of the child, it guarantees that custody decisions protect stability, security and education. This may go hand in hand with the concept of character education because such a perspective contributes to people’s growth into confident subjects.

9. The Broader Impact on Gender Equality

The action by the UAE to transform its family law is relevant to the nation’s goals of empowering women as well as achieving gender equity. Such steps are within the framework of further systematic actions to promote the UAE as a country with enlightened governance and tolerant society.

Challenges and Opportunities

 

While the new law is a step in the right direction, its implementation may face certain challenges:

Cultural Sensitivities

It is not easy to find progressiveness in legal changes and at the same time respect tradition. A keen emphasis will be placed on sensitizing the public on these changes so that they can accept them and understand them.

Legal Awareness

There is information that women need to know their rights under this new law: hence, educating families and particularly women is a priority. Information and community legal education initiatives can close knowledge deficits and help citizens enforce their rights.

Judicial Training

Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, public defenders, and judges, especially require their substantial training to understand the changes in the law and apply the refinements equally for everyone. These outcomes common to the four dimensions can be achieved by the reform in order to achieve the intended result.

Navigating the New Law: Expert Legal Guidance

 

As it is with any new legislation it can be sometimes tricky to work out how they are to be implemented. Any person involved in child custody issues whether it is a current or prospective separation or a request to change legal custody should consult a lawyer.

Hussain Lootah is a professional family lawyers in Dubai that focuses on family law, the firm will ensure that clients gain adequate knowledge about the New Family Law 2025. Our expert team provides:

  • Comprehensive Legal Advice: Specific clarification regarding its impact for your custody rights.
  • Custody Agreement Drafting: Legal aid in preparing and revising the existing agreements on child custody according to new legislation.
  • Dispute Resolution Services: Efficient ways of handling custody issues through mediation and or representation.

Conclusion

When one speaks of New Family Law 2025, it is more than a viable law piece as it signifies UAE’s commitment to the healthy family setting. Acquiring custody rights for mothers also preserves the significance of women in child realization and considers it for the benefit of the children.

This research shows that, for families in this new legal environment, expert assistance is crucial. Please whom it concerns, trust HL&A as your counsel and facilitator as you navigate your rights under the New Family Law. As one, we will be able to collaborate towards building a supportive and equal environment for your family.