Personal Status and Family Cases

The new UAE law, effective from February 1, 2023, mirrors the Abu Dhabi law from the previous year (Law No. 15 of 2021) but applies nationwide. Both laws focus on gender equality in legal matters, including testimony in court, estate distribution, divorce rights, and child custody.

The law introduces regulations for civil marriages and a no-fault divorce procedure, as well as a shift from the Hijri to the Gregorian calendar. Law No. 41 also addresses inheritance for non-Muslims, ensuring equal distribution among surviving family members, with a half-share for a surviving spouse and equal shares for children or siblings.

For those with a registered will, Law No. 41 confirms the will’s application to all UAE-based assets. The law mentions a forthcoming register of wills for further clarification. In under a decade, UAE inheritance laws have evolved significantly, providing diverse options for wealth protection, including trusts and foundations. The Federal Personal Status law is anticipated to contribute to these advancements, particularly in non-Muslim inheritance laws.