As we discussed last week, in accordance with the UAE’s Shariah law principles that regulate the arena of Family Law, certain procedures must be undertaken in order for a valid marriage contract to be terminated. For Muslims in the UAE, there are two pathways two divorce. This will cover the second pathway here:
The second method of obtaining divorce is by application to court, through a divorce case. The first step would then be a referral to the Family Guidance Committee, which forms a part of the court.
If the committee cannot encourage a reconciliation, the case will be referred to a judge who will decide where there is a valid reason for divorce. Grounds include:
1. Defects such as madness, leprosy, impotence or venereal disease. In this instance, the party must demonstrate they were not aware of this ‘defect’ at the time of marriage.
2. If a deceit is discovered that would have meant the marriage contract would never have been entered into, this is also grounds for divorce.
3. Non-payment of dowry.
4. Harm or disputes that make it impossible for the partie to live together.
5. Lack of financial support, if the husband has funds but fails to provide support.
6. Absence of one of the parties; but a year must pass from the time of application for such divorce to be granted.
7. A jail sentence of more than three years, if the jailed party has already been in prison for a year.
8. Desertion – if a husband leaves the family home and doesn’t return within four months of the wife’s request.
<b>Author:</b> Mr. <a href=”http://professionallawyer.me/”>Hassan Elhais</a>, along with his team of legal consultants and prominent local lawyers across the UAE, has made a name for himself as a renowned specialist in the fields of civil law, construction law, banking law, criminal law, family law, inheritance law and arbitration.