Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process. One of the critical issues that often arises during divorce proceedings is alimony.
Alimony after divorce in UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2022 on Civil Personal Status and Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2024 on Personal Status.
These laws establish clear guidelines for determining and paying alimony, with specific conditions and rules applicable to the parties involved.
In this article, we will explore alimony after divorce in the UAE in 2025, offering detailed insights into how the two laws apply to different groups of people, including Muslims and non-Muslims.
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Rules of Alimony After Divorce in UAE
Alimony laws in the UAE vary depending on several factors, including the parties’ religious affiliation, the type of divorce, and the specific circumstances of the marriage.
There are distinct provisions under the two laws: Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2022 and Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2024.
Let’s examine how each law applies to various situations.
Alimony Under Civil Personal Status
Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2022 governs personal status matters for non-Muslims and applies to both men and women.
It outlines the rules for determining alimony after divorce, with a focus on fairness and specific criteria to guide judges in making their decisions. Some key points under this law include:
- Requesting Alimony: A divorced woman may submit a request to the court for alimony after the divorce judgment is granted.
- Alimony Duration: The court determines the duration of alimony, which can be modified in response to changing circumstances.
- Conditions for Ending Alimony: Alimony may terminate if the wife remarries or if she loses custody of the children for any reason. Additionally, a new alimony application may be submitted annually or whenever there are changes in circumstances.
Factors Considered for Alimony
When determining alimony, several factors are taken into consideration to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for both parties involved.
The following are the key factors that influence alimony decisions:
- The number of years of marriage. A longer marriage could result in a higher alimony amount.
- The age of the wife. Alimony might be adjusted depending on the wife’s age, with younger women receiving less alimony.
- The financial status of both parties. An accounting expert may be appointed to assess the financial situation of both the husband and wife.
- The extent to which the husband contributed to the divorce, either through negligence or fault.
- Any physical or moral harm caused during the marriage or divorce.
- Custody and care of children, with the husband required to cover the expenses related to the children’s custody for up to two years after the divorce.
Alimony Under Personal Status Law
Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2024 (UAE Personal Status Law) governs personal status matters primarily for Muslims in the UAE.
It also outlines provisions related to alimony after divorce, focusing on the individual’s basic needs and the financial responsibilities of the spouse.
The following points summarize how alimony is calculated under this law:
- Definition of Alimony: Alimony encompasses the essentials and basic necessities of food, clothing, housing, medical treatment, and education, all in accordance with local customs.
- Estimating Expenses: Alimony is typically estimated based on several factors, including the economic conditions of both the spender and the recipient at the time of the divorce.
- Cash or Property: Alimony may be provided in cash or the form of property, depending on the circumstances.
- Continuous Alimony: Continuous alimony, such as for wives, children, or parents, takes priority over other debts. This means the payer must fulfill these obligations before paying any other debts.
- Spouse Maintenance: The husband must provide maintenance for his wife under the marriage contract, even if she has her financial resources.
- Temporary Alimony: In certain cases, the wife may be entitled to receive temporary alimony during the proceedings of a divorce case.
- Compensation: If the husband is at fault for the divorce or initiates it without the wife’s request, she may be entitled to compensation, which can be up to one year of alimony.
- Exemption from Alimony: If the wife refuses to fulfill her marital duties, including residing in the marital home, she may forfeit her right to alimony.
- Maintenance for Children: The father is responsible for maintaining his children, with provisions that ensure financial support for children who are unable to support themselves due to a disability or other reasons.
Increasing and Decreasing Alimony
When it comes to alimony, modifications may be necessary due to shifts in life circumstances. Here are key points to understand about increasing or decreasing alimony:
- Alimony can be increased or decreased due to changes in circumstances.
- Any changes to the alimony after divorce in UAE will only apply from the date the ruling is made and will not be applied retroactively for more than six months.
- The court can adjust alimony based on the financial position of both parties.
Learn more about How Much alimony is in the UAE.
Legal Services for Alimony After Spouses’ Separation in UAE
At law firm in UAE, we specialize in providing legal services related to alimony after divorce in the UAE.
Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to offering clients expert advice and representation in matters of divorce and alimony. Our services include:
- Temporary Alimony.
If you are going through a divorce, we can assist in obtaining temporary alimony during the case proceedings, ensuring immediate financial support for you and your children. - Alimony for Children.
We provide legal representation to ensure that children’s alimony is properly calculated and that the father or the responsible parent meets their obligations. - Compensation in Divorce.
In cases where compensation is due to the wife because of the husband’s fault in the divorce, we offer expert legal counsel to secure fair compensation for our clients. - Alimony Enforcement.
Our firm also assists in enforcing alimony rulings, ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with the court’s judgment.
Alimony Claims
We help with filing alimony claims after divorce.
We ensure that the court takes into account all relevant factors, including the duration of the marriage, the financial situations of both parties, and the needs of the children.
Modification of Alimony
We assist clients who wish to adjust the alimony amount based on changes in their circumstances.
Our legal team ensures that any requests for modification comply with the law and that the court’s decision is in the best interest of our clients.
In all these areas, we offer personalized services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your legal rights are protected under UAE law.
If you are facing issues related to alimony after divorce in UAE, our skilled team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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FAQs about Divorcee’s Alimony Cases in UAE
Alimony after divorce in UAE is governed by two distinct legal frameworks, which provide a fair and structured approach to ensuring financial support for those entitled to it.
Determining alimony under either the Civil Personal Status Law or the Personal Status Law is influenced by various factors.
These include the duration of the marriage, financial conditions, and the roles of both spouses during the divorce.
At our law firm, we are dedicated to providing professional legal services to help you navigate the complexities of alimony claims and modifications, ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the process.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
