An increase in alimony (maintenance) under UAE law is a court-ordered adjustment to the financial support a former spouse or children receive, governed by the UAE Personal Status Law and its amendments. This article outlines the key conditions and legal documents required to successfully bring a claim for increased maintenance.
Legal Conditions for Requesting an Increase in Maintenance
Maintenance amounts, whether increased or reduced, are not adjusted arbitrarily — the law requires that certain core criteria be met to justify the request, most notably:
Change in Economic Circumstances
A noticeable rise in prices and the general cost of living compared to when the previous maintenance ruling was issued.
Change in the Paying Spouse’s Financial Position
An improvement in the paying party’s financial standing, an increase in monthly income, or the expansion of their business and financial resources such that they are able to pay a larger amount.
Increasing Needs of the Children or Dependents
As children grow older, their living requirements increase — such as school fees, healthcare, and basic daily needs.
Procedures for Filing a Maintenance Increase Claim in UAE Courts
Personal status cases have a special nature and proceed through defined stages that ensure confidentiality and a swift resolution:
Family Guidance Stage
Legal procedure requires that the dispute first be brought before the Family Guidance Section of the relevant court, such as the Dubai or Abu Dhabi courts, in an attempt to reach an amicable settlement between the parties.
Registering the Lawsuit
If conciliation fails, or the other party fails to appear or refuses the increase, the family guidance counselor issues a permit to open a court case before the Personal Status Court.
Submitting Documents and Evidence
Filing the statement of claim together with evidence proving the change in circumstances, such as the paying party’s recent salary statements, school fees, or medical bills.
Documents and Evidence Required to Ensure the Claim Succeeds
The strength of a maintenance-increase claim depends largely on the accuracy of the evidence and documents submitted to the judge, most importantly:
Copy of the Previous Maintenance Ruling
Or a notarized divorce or maintenance agreement.
Recent Salary Certificate or Proof of Income
For the party liable for maintenance, where available, or a request that the court inquire into their income.
Invoices for School Fees, Medical Bills, and Rent
Documents proving the actual scale of the expenses incurred.
The Role of a Personal Status Lawyer in Maintenance Cases
Family disputes require a high degree of sensitivity and broad experience with the precedents of both Sharia and civil courts.
It is therefore advisable to engage a specialized personal status lawyer to precisely draft the court submissions, present balanced defenses, and follow through on the legal proceedings before the family courts to ensure the client’s full rights are secured under UAE law.
Husain Al Ali Advocates & Legal Consultants represents clients in maintenance and personal status disputes across the UAE — from the Family Guidance stage through filing and prosecuting the claim before the Personal Status Courts.
Husain Al Ali is a UAE-licensed Advocate by Ministry of Justice, admitted to practice before local and Federal Courts of the UAE.
| Article | Topic |
|---|---|
| Alimony (Nafaqa) Under UAE Law | The three categories of alimony and who is entitled to claim them |
| Divorce Under UAE Law | Grounds for divorce and the procedure before the Family Guidance section |
| Child Custody in the UAE | How Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 changed the custody age and a child’s right to choose |
Do not rely solely on the information available on the website; you should consult a lawyer to clarify many matters.