This guide walks through the practical steps of filing. For the legal background, including the types of divorce and the financial rights of each spouse, see our main page on divorce under UAE law.
Step 1: Check where you can file
You normally file in the emirate where you or your spouse live. Dubai residents file with the Dubai Courts Personal Status Court, Abu Dhabi residents with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and residents of the northern emirates with the federal courts or the local court of that emirate. You can usually divorce in the UAE even if you married abroad, as long as you are resident here.
At this stage you also need to know which law applies. Muslims are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status. Non-Muslims can usually use the civil personal status law, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, and in Abu Dhabi the Civil Family Court. Some non-Muslim expatriates can ask the court to apply the law of their home country.
Step 2: Prepare and attest your documents
- Marriage certificate. If it was issued abroad, it must be legalised in the country of issue, attested by the UAE embassy there and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE, then translated into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice licensed translator.
- Passports, residence visas and Emirates IDs for both spouses.
- Children's birth certificates, attested and translated if issued abroad.
- Proof of income, such as a salary certificate or bank statements, if maintenance will be claimed.
- Tenancy contract for the family home, school fee invoices and other regular expenses.
- Evidence of harm, if you are asking for divorce for harm: medical reports, police reports, messages or witnesses.
- A power of attorney, if a lawyer will act for you.
Attestation of foreign documents is often the slowest part, so start early. Missing attestation is one of the most common reasons a file is delayed.
Step 3: Open a Family Guidance file
In Dubai, divorce requests are registered with the Family Guidance and Reconciliation section, usually online through the Dubai Courts website or app, or at the court. You fill in the request, upload your documents and pay the fee. The section then sets an appointment and invites both spouses.
Step 4: Attend the reconciliation sessions
A family counsellor meets the spouses together or separately. The counsellor first tries to reconcile the couple. If both agree to divorce, the counsellor records a written settlement. A good settlement covers at least:
- the type of divorce and its date;
- custody of the children and the visitation schedule, including holidays and travel;
- child maintenance, school fees, housing and medical costs;
- the wife's financial rights, such as deferred dowry and maintenance during the waiting period;
- who keeps the children's passports and how travel consent works;
- division of jointly owned property, if any.
Once a judge approves the settlement, it becomes enforceable like a judgment. Have it reviewed by a lawyer before you sign, because it is very hard to change later.
Step 5: File the court claim if there is no agreement
If the spouses do not agree, the Family Guidance section issues a referral letter. With that letter, the divorce claim is filed at the Personal Status Court, together with any related claims such as custody, maintenance and housing. The court serves the other spouse; if they live abroad, service goes through official channels, which takes longer.
Step 6: Hearings, arbitration and judgment
The court hears both sides and reviews the evidence. In divorce for harm, it appoints two arbitrators who must try to reconcile the spouses within 60 days before the court rules. The judgment covers the divorce and, where requested, custody, visitation and the financial claims.
Step 7: Appeal, divorce certificate and enforcement
Either spouse may appeal within the legal deadline, generally 30 days from the judgment. Once final, you can obtain the divorce certificate from the court. If the other spouse does not pay maintenance or respect visitation, you open an execution file to enforce the judgment.
How long the filing process takes
| Stage | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Attesting foreign documents | A few days to several weeks, depending on the country |
| First Family Guidance appointment | Usually within 1 to 3 weeks of filing |
| Agreed divorce, from filing to approval | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Contested divorce at first instance | 2 to 5 months |
| Appeal | Usually 2 to 6 months more |
Costs of filing
- Court fees: a fixed fee applies to the divorce request, and claims for money such as deferred dowry carry fees based on the amount. Check the current figure with the Dubai Courts fee calculator.
- Attestation and translation: embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translation fees vary by country and document.
- Our legal fees: agreed divorces are usually handled for a fixed fee. Contested cases are quoted by stage after a confidential consultation.
After the divorce: practical steps
- Residence visa: a spouse sponsored by the other spouse will need to arrange new sponsorship. Check the current rules and grace period with the immigration authority as soon as the divorce is final.
- Children's documents: follow the court order on who holds the passports and Emirates IDs.
- Bank and property: update joint accounts, tenancy contracts and any jointly owned property.
- Recognition abroad: if you need the divorce recognised in your home country, get the judgment attested for use abroad.
How Husain Al Ali Advocates can help
We prepare your documents, open the Family Guidance file, attend the sessions with you, review or draft the settlement, file and argue the court case, and enforce the judgment. We work in Arabic and English and keep every matter confidential. Call +971 4 451 0523 or message us on WhatsApp.
This page is general information about UAE law, not legal advice.
Do not rely solely on the information available on the website; you should consult a lawyer to clarify many matters.
Related guides: divorce under UAE law, child custody, family law in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file for divorce in Dubai?
With the Family Guidance and Reconciliation section of the Dubai Courts, usually online through the Dubai Courts website or app. If there is no agreement, the case then goes to the Personal Status Court.
Can I file for divorce in the UAE if I married abroad?
Usually yes, if you are resident in the UAE. Your foreign marriage certificate must be attested and translated into Arabic.
What documents do I need to file for divorce?
The attested marriage certificate, passports, Emirates IDs, children's birth certificates, proof of income and, for divorce for harm, evidence of the harm.
Do both spouses have to attend Family Guidance?
Both spouses are invited. If one does not attend after being properly notified, the section can issue a referral letter so the case can proceed in court.
Can I file for divorce online?
In Dubai, the request can usually be submitted online through the Dubai Courts website or app, with documents uploaded and fees paid electronically.
Can I divorce if my spouse lives outside the UAE?
Yes. The court serves the spouse abroad through official channels. This adds time, so it is important that your documents are complete from the start.
Should I sign the settlement at Family Guidance?
Only after you understand it fully. An approved settlement is enforceable like a judgment and is hard to change, so have it reviewed by a lawyer first.
How long does it take to file for divorce in Dubai?
An agreed divorce usually takes two to six weeks from filing. A contested divorce usually takes two to five months at first instance.
What happens to my visa after divorce?
If your spouse sponsors your visa, you will need new sponsorship. Check the current rules and grace period with the immigration authority as soon as the divorce is final.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce?
It is not mandatory for Family Guidance, but a lawyer helps you prepare the documents, protect your rights in the settlement and present your case in court.