27 August 2026 00:31 AM |
Last updated:
27 August 00:33 2026
Building of the Personal Status Court
Summary
Dubai Courts clarify the procedure for custody requests to enhance awareness and reduce delays: File registration, family guidance, settlement or court referral, evaluation, ruling, and electronic follow-up services.
Dubai Courts have stressed the importance of legal awareness regarding family procedures, particularly in understanding the process surrounding custody requests. This clarity helps clients efficiently meet requirements, thereby reducing instances of reapplication or delays due to insufficient documentation or unclear information.
The outlined custody request process aims not only to simplify procedures but also to support balanced decisions that prioritise the welfare of the child. It facilitates families to navigate these requests within a clear legal framework that places the child’s stability and needs at the forefront, starting from the application submission and file registration under “Marital Cases,” through attempts at amicable settlement, and extending to the adoption of agreements or referral of disputes to the competent court for a judicial ruling.
According to Hamad Al-Junaibi, Director of the Personal Status Department at Dubai Courts, “The welfare of the child is at the heart of evaluating custody requests.” The custody request process commences with the registration of a “Marital Cases” file, where a family advisor conducts sessions with the parties involved, striving to bring their perspectives closer and achieve a settlement that acknowledges the child’s best interests and the specific circumstances of each family.
Following the family guidance phase, the request diverges into two paths: if the parties agree, a settlement agreement is drafted and signed before being submitted for court approval. Conversely, if an agreement cannot be reached, the matter is referred to the competent court, where the applicant files a substantive case regarding custody, accompanied by supporting documents and evidence.
Once the case is filed, sessions are scheduled before the relevant judge to hear both parties and consider the submitted requests and documents. Depending on the case specifics, the court may enlist the assistance of a custody committee to prepare an evaluation that aids in assessing each party’s suitability for custody. The final decision rests with the judge, who, after fully considering the case, evidence, and related reports, issues a ruling on custody. The duration of the process is contingent on the complexity of each case and its requirements.
Clients can track their requests and inquire about their status via the Dubai Courts’ website, electronic services, the Dubai Courts app, the call centre, WhatsApp at 043347777, the live chat feature on the website, as well as at the service centre located within the Personal Status and Wills Building, and through the support centres at 600523433.