We provide thoughtful and discreet legal guidance on family and personal status matters in the UAE. Our support focuses on protecting individual rights, resolving sensitive issues, and ensuring clear outcomes within the framework of UAE family and personal status laws.
Our Family Law & Personal Status practice supports clients navigating sensitive personal matters with clarity and professionalism. We advise on divorce, custody, guardianship, marriage, and related personal status issues, ensuring that legal rights and responsibilities are clearly understood. Our approach is measured, respectful, and solution-oriented, helping clients achieve fair outcomes while minimizing conflict and uncertainty. We work closely with individuals and families to provide guidance that balances legal precision with personal consideration.
Attorneys in Charge
Founding Partner
Stanislav Gordeev
Founding Partner and Managing Partner of GGLC with over 25 years of legal practice in the UAE. Advises corporations, investors, and private clients on complex commercial, real estate, financial, and employment matters, delivering strategic and results-driven legal counsel.
FAQs
Can marriages performed abroad be recognized in the UAE?
Yes. Marriages legally performed outside the UAE can generally be recognized, provided they meet certain formal and legal requirements. Typically, the marriage certificate must be properly attested (including authentication by the relevant foreign authorities and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and, where necessary, translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
Recognition may also depend on whether the marriage complies with applicable UAE public policy considerations. Once recognized, a foreign marriage can be used for purposes such as family residency sponsorship, inheritance planning, and personal status matters. Proper verification and registration help ensure that the marriage is accepted by UAE authorities without complications.
Can foreign court judgments be enforced in the UAE?
In certain circumstances, yes. Foreign court judgments may be recognized and enforced in the UAE through specific legal procedures. The UAE courts will typically assess whether the foreign judgment meets legal requirements, including jurisdiction, due process, finality, and compatibility with UAE public order and morals.
Enforcement is not automatic and depends on the nature of the judgment, the country where it was issued, and whether applicable treaties or reciprocal arrangements exist. Careful legal review is essential before initiating enforcement proceedings to assess feasibility, risks, and procedural steps.
How long do family law proceedings usually take?
The duration of family law proceedings in the UAE varies depending on the type of case, complexity, and whether matters are contested. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly through amicable settlement or mediation, while others such as contested divorce or custody disputes may take several months or longer.
Factors influencing timelines include court schedules, documentation requirements, expert involvement, and the level of cooperation between parties. Early legal guidance and structured case preparation can help streamline proceedings and reduce unnecessary delays.
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