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To understand how to file a case against husband in UAE, start with what you are asking for:
- a divorce;
- maintenance;
- custody;
- or protection from abuse.
Each has its own route, and the law that applies depends on whether you and your husband are Muslim or non-Muslim.
This guide follows the government’s divorce page, the Personal Status Law for Muslims, the Civil Personal Status Law for non-Muslims, and the domestic violence law.
Quick Answer
To file a case against your husband in the UAE, first identify whether you need divorce, maintenance, child custody or protection from abuse. The appropriate procedure depends on the claim and the personal status law that applies to your family.
Muslim divorce disputes generally begin with Family Guidance, subject to exceptions. Non-Muslim divorce proceedings may follow a separate civil route. Maintenance and custody claims can involve temporary orders, while domestic violence concerns may require reporting and protection measures. Check the applicable procedure and deadlines before filing.
How to File a Case Against Husband in UAE by Goal
Start with the goal, because the court and the deadlines follow from it.
| Your Goal | Route | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce by agreement (Muslims) | Register with the Family Guidance Section. If you both agree, the agreement is signed before the counsellor. | Gov. page, Art 8 |
| Divorce without his agreement (Muslims) | A court application on legal grounds. A court can order divorce for proven harm that makes living together impossible, or if he does not provide for you. | Arts 71, 77 |
| Khula (Muslims) | You ask for separation in return for compensation. If he refuses without reason, the court can order khula for an appropriate amount. | Arts 65, 66 |
| Divorce (non-Muslims) | Either spouse can apply on the prescribed form, without proving fault. The case goes directly to the court, with a decision at the first hearing. | 41/2022, Arts 3, 7, 8 |
| Maintenance | A claim for your maintenance, with temporary alimony while the case runs. | Arts 99, 100 |
| Custody and child maintenance | A claim in the personal status court. Urgent and temporary orders do not need Family Guidance. | Arts 8, 106, 112 to 124 |
| Protection from abuse | A report to the police, the ministry or a social support centre. The Public Prosecution can issue a protection order. | 13/2024, Arts 5, 8, 9 |
Article references are to the Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024) unless another law is shown. A non-citizen can insist on applying his or her own law or an agreed law the legislation permits (Article 1). Ask a lawyer how that affects your case.
Steps for a Divorce Claim Through Family Guidance
For Muslim couples the route runs through the Family Guidance Section first.
- Register the divorce application with the Family Guidance Section. One spouse or both can do it.
- Attend the family counsellor session. It is a mandatory step.
- If you agree, sign an amicable agreement before the counsellor. The approved record can be enforced like a court order (Article 8).
- If you do not agree, the counsellor issues a referral letter.
- Submit the referral letter to the court within one month of its issue. The court then runs the case.
- Each side gives its evidence and defence. The number of hearings varies until the court rules.
Some matters skip Family Guidance. These include urgent and temporary orders on alimony and custody, and cases to prove a marriage or a divorce (Article 8). For non-Muslims, divorce goes directly to court.
For the khula application process, read our guide to how to apply for khula in Dubai.
Need Help Understanding How to File a Divorce Case in the UAE?
Contact Leaders Advocates to discuss Family Guidance, contested divorce, khula, applicable personal status rules and the filing process for your circumstances.
Money Claims Against a Husband
The Personal Status Law treats maintenance as a right, with limits on how far back you can claim.
- A husband must provide maintenance for his wife during a valid marriage (Article 99). A claim for maintenance is not heard for a period of more than two years before it is filed.
- While the case runs, the court can award temporary alimony to you and the children, enforceable at once (Article 100). Continuing alimony from the date of filing is a privileged debt (Article 98).
- If he refuses to provide for you, the court gives him up to 30 days to pay, or up to 90 days if he proves he cannot. If he still does not pay, it imposes divorce (Article 77).
- After a divorce by his sole will, you can claim compensation of up to one year’s maintenance, in addition to alimony during the waiting period (Article 102).
- Child maintenance is the father’s responsibility. A claim is not heard for a period of more than one year before it is filed (Articles 106 and 111).
For non-Muslims, alimony after divorce is decided by the court using factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s finances and any harm suffered. Custody is joint after divorce unless the court decides otherwise (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, Articles 9 and 10).
For the post-divorce position, see our guide to wife rights after divorce in the UAE.
If the Problem Is Abuse
Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 replaced the 2019 domestic violence law, and some guides still cite the old one. You can report to the ministry, the competent authority or a social support centre, and to the police if the act is physical or sexual violence (Article 5). Anyone who knows of an incident must report it promptly (Article 5).
The Public Prosecution can issue a protection order on its own, or at your request or the centre’s. It lasts up to 30 days, extendable for two similar periods, and the court can then extend it to six months (Articles 8 and 9). The order can bar contact, bar him from your home and workplace, refer you to a shelter if you consent, and require him to pay financial support and medical costs (Article 11).
The government lists the reporting channels:
- 999 for crime and emergencies;
- the Ministry of Interior on 116111 for violence against women and children;
- the Community Development Authority on 800988;
- and the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children on 800111 (UAE government portal).
Our guide on whether domestic violence is a crime in the UAE explains the offence in more detail.
Need Legal Guidance About Maintenance, Custody or Protection?
Ask Leaders Advocates about family court applications, maintenance claims, child custody arrangements and available legal protection measures. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services before seeking a consultation.
Deadlines That Matter
Missing a deadline can cost you part of a claim.
| Period | What It Covers | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | The husband must document a divorce before the court. If he does not, you are entitled to compensation equal to alimony from the divorce to its documentation. | Art 58 |
| 1 month | Submitting the Family Guidance referral letter to the court. | Gov. page |
| 30 days | Appeal or cassation against a ruling. | Art 9 |
| 1 week | Appeal against an order on petition. | Art 6 |
| 2 years | The limit on backdated wife’s maintenance. | Art 99 |
| 1 year | The limit on backdated child maintenance. | Art 111 |
| 6 months | Wait before filing again for harm after a dismissal: until the judgment is final or 6 months from it, whichever is longer, unless new harm or facts arise. | Art 72 |
| 7 days | Appeal against a protection order, from becoming aware of it. | 13/2024, Art 12 |
| 14 days | Family reconciliation is offered within 14 days of a domestic violence report, unless the act is a felony. | 13/2024, Art 13 |
If you are unsure which route fits, you can describe your situation to our lawyers on WhatsApp or through the Contact Us page.
Unsure About a Family Court Deadline or Filing Requirement?
Discuss your notice, referral letter or court order with Leaders Advocates. Ask about the procedure that applies to your case and which deadlines require immediate attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Relevant Legal Services
To discuss your options, speak to our lawyers on WhatsApp or use the Contact Us page. See our family lawyers and child custody lawyers.
Related Legal Guidance
- How to Apply for Khula in Dubai
- Wife Rights After Divorce in the UAE
- Is Domestic Violence a Crime in the UAE?
- UAE Government: Divorce in the UAE
- Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024: Personal Status Law
- Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022: Civil Personal Status Law
- Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024: Domestic Violence Law
Need Legal Guidance on Filing a Case Against Your Husband in the UAE?
Discuss divorce, maintenance, child custody or the legal protection available for your circumstances with Leaders Advocates. Explain the type of claim you are considering and ask how to share any sensitive documents securely.
