Family Guidance in Abu Dhabi
A Legal Overview by Enjaz Online – Ahkam Transactions, Abu Dhabi
Family disputes can have serious emotional, social, and legal consequences if they escalate to court proceedings. Recognizing the importance of preserving family stability, the UAE legislator introduced Family Guidance as a mandatory and essential step before filing cases before the Personal Status Courts.
At Enjaz Online, the digital legal services platform of Ahkam for Legal Transactions and Consultations – Abu Dhabi (Al Qaryat Mall, First Floor), we provide professional legal assistance to guide clients through Family Guidance procedures efficiently and in full compliance with UAE laws.
What Is Family Guidance in Abu Dhabi?
Family Guidance is a mandatory legal procedure established by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, which must be completed before filing family or personal status cases before the court.
It aims to resolve family and marital disputes amicably through structured sessions conducted by licensed Family Guidance Counselors appointed by the Judicial Department. These sessions focus on dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding between the parties, without resorting to litigation.
Legal Definition of Family Guidance
Under UAE law, Family Guidance in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is defined as a compulsory preliminary procedure prior to filing family-related lawsuits before the Personal Status Court.
Its objective is to amicably settle family or marital disputes through counseling sessions conducted by accredited specialists (Family Guidance Counselors) authorized by the Judicial Department.
Jurisdiction and Functions of Family Guidance in Abu Dhabi
Through the Family Guidance Section, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department undertakes several key functions, including:
A. Amicable Settlement of Family and Marital Disputes
Providing counseling, advice, and guidance to resolve disputes related to:
- Spousal rights and obligations
- Marital obedience
- Family harmony and mutual understanding
B. Divorce and Khula Procedures
Completing and documenting divorce or khula procedures when both parties agree, without the need to initiate court litigation.
C. Issuance and Attestation of Declarations
Issuing and attesting official declarations, including:
- Declarations of non-reconciliation
- Completion of the waiting period (Iddah)
- Marital reconciliation during the Iddah period
D. Family and Child-Related Agreements
Drafting and documenting agreements between the parties concerning:
- Wife’s financial rights (dowry, alimony, Iddah, and consolation compensation)
- Parental alimony and its increase or reduction
- Children’s rights, including custody, visitation, joining or dropping custody claims
- Child support, housing for custody, school fees, and caregiver wages
Mandatory Nature of Family Guidance Before Court Proceedings
In Abu Dhabi, referring disputes to the Family Guidance Section is a mandatory legal stage before filing cases before the Personal Status Court.
This requirement aims to:
- Preserve family stability
- Reduce prolonged family litigation
- Encourage amicable settlements
- Achieve solutions acceptable to both parties
If amicable settlement is not reached, the dispute is formally referred to the competent court for adjudication in accordance with applicable laws.
Objectives of Mandatory Family Guidance
- Reducing the number of family cases filed before courts
- Alleviating the legal and administrative burden on the judiciary
- Protecting the rights and best interests of children in cases of divorce, separation, or khula
- Minimizing the psychological impact of family disputes on children
- Saving time, effort, and legal costs compared to court litigation
- Promoting dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution within families
Legal Support Through Enjaz Online – Ahkam Legal Services
Although Family Guidance procedures are designed to be amicable, they require expert legal knowledge to ensure proper documentation, protection of rights, and compliance with legal requirements.
Through Enjaz Online, our experienced legal consultants provide comprehensive support, including:
- Legal consultation before Family Guidance sessions
- Preparing and reviewing documents and agreements
- Representing clients during guidance procedures
- Following up on referrals to court when necessary
- Ensuring full protection of your legal rights
Why Choose Enjaz Online – Ahkam Transactions?
- Specialized expertise in family and personal status law
- Professional legal consultants licensed in Abu Dhabi
- Convenient digital legal services
- Reliable follow-up and client-centered legal solutions
📞 Contact Enjaz Online today via WhatsApp for an initial legal consultation:
+971 58 844 1020
Enjaz Online
A digital service by
Ahkam Transactions and Legal Consultations – Abu Dhabi Village Mall, First Floor
Legal Consultant
Ismail Al-Masri
