Divorce for Harm in the UAE
Divorce for Harm in the UAE
When one spouse experiences continuous harm in their marriage, UAE law grants the affected party the right to file for divorce due to harm. However, strict conditions and legal requirements must be met, which we will detail in this article.
Understanding Divorce for Harm in UAE Law
Marriage in Islam is built on principles such as mutual understanding, forgiveness, prioritizing family interests, appreciation, and cooperation. When these values are upheld, marital life remains stable.
However, if one spouse suffers harm from the marriage, UAE law allows them to seek a divorce for harm. The harm may be inflicted by the husband on the wife, by the wife on the husband, or be mutual.
Conditions for Divorce for Harm in UAE Law
To file for divorce due to harm, the following legal conditions must be met:
- The harm must be severe enough to make marital life unbearable.
- The case must be filed in the competent court.
- The harmed party and the cause of harm must be identified.
- The harm must be proven.
Below, we will explain each condition in detail.
1. Severity of Harm Making Marital Life Unbearable
The harm suffered by the affected spouse must be extreme, making it impossible for the marriage to continue. This includes:
- Physical abuse.
- Psychological harm (verbal abuse, neglect, humiliation, abandonment, or lack of financial support).
- Repeated and continuous harm, even if minor.
2. Filing the Case in the Competent Court
The case must be filed in the Personal Status Court following the UAE Civil Procedure Law and Personal Status Law. Consulting a legal professional (lawyer) is crucial to ensure compliance with legal procedures.
3. Identifying the Harmed Party and the Cause of Harm
Harm may be inflicted on the wife by the husband, vice versa, or be mutual. If both spouses are found to have caused harm, the court may order their separation.
4. Providing Evidence of Harm
The burden of proving harm lies with the claimant. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Witness testimony in personal status cases.
- Official documents, such as medical reports or messages (WhatsApp, emails, etc.).
- Photos or videos proving harm.
Evidence plays a crucial role in the case outcome, so seeking legal consultation before filing the case is strongly advised.
Reasons for Rejection of a Divorce for Harm Case
A case may be rejected for procedural or substantive reasons:
Procedural Reasons
- Filing in an incompetent court.
- Failure to follow proper legal steps.
Substantive Reasons
- False claims or lack of evidence.
- The other party proving malicious intent in the claim.
- The claimant failing to attend court hearings.
- Reconciliation agreements during family guidance sessions.
- Insufficient evidence of harm.
- The judge determining the harm is not severe enough.
- Failure to meet legal witness conditions.
Common Reasons for Filing Divorce for Harm
- Severe physical abuse.
- Abandonment for more than six months.
- Husband’s absence or travel for over a year.
- Failure to provide financial support.
- Medical conditions affecting marital life.
- Continuous emotional or psychological abuse.
- Imprisonment of a spouse.
Legal Procedures for Filing Divorce for Harm
- The affected party must first file a case with the Family Guidance Department in the relevant emirate.
- The department will attempt reconciliation between the spouses.
- If reconciliation fails, the case is referred to the Personal Status Court.
- The harmed party must provide evidence of harm using:
- Written evidence.
- Audio/video recordings.
- Witness testimony.
- Medical reports.
- The court will issue a ruling based on the presented evidence.
- If dissatisfied with the ruling, the affected party may appeal within 30 days.
Wife’s Rights After Divorce for Harm
If the wife successfully proves harm, she is entitled to:
- Alimony (maintenance during the waiting period).
- Deferred dowry (as per the marriage contract).
- Child custody, if eligible.
- Child support (covering healthcare, education, and living expenses).
- Housing rights, if children are involved.
- Possession of marital assets (if proven by official records).
- Compensation for moral and financial damage.
Role of a Legal Consultant in Divorce for Harm Cases
A professional family lawyer can assist by:
- Preparing the legal claim.
- Ensuring the case meets all legal requirements.
- Managing court procedures.
- Representing the client in court.
- Advising on legal rights and strategies.
Key Information About Divorce for Harm in the UAE
- Legal fees vary depending on the case.
- A wife can file for divorce for harm regardless of the husband’s stance if she provides sufficient evidence.
- A husband can also file for divorce for harm.
- Divorce for harm is final, and a waiting period of three months applies.
- Evidence can include digital messages, witnesses, medical reports, and written proof.
Conclusion
UAE law ensures that a wife receives all her legal rights after proving harm. However, if the wife is the one who caused harm, the court may order her to compensate the husband.
Given the complexities of divorce cases, seeking professional legal assistance is crucial to securing rights and handling the case efficiently.
For legal consultation regarding divorce for harm or other family law matters in the UAE, our legal experts are available to assist you. Contact us today for an initial consultation.