Family matters Q&As: can a child support agreement signed in Europe be enforced in the UAE?

A reader asks if she can file an adultery case against her husband and another asks about financial support for her son born out of marriage

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Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

I am currently in the US and my husband lives in Dubai. Can I file a criminal case against him and his girlfriend? I have pictures of the two of them in our bedroom and in our car in Dubai. He also posted a picture of the woman on Facebook but then deleted and denied ever doing it. What can I do?

To file a criminal case of adultery, you will need to visit the UAE and present solid proof the offence occurred. The prosecution will investigate both your husband and his girlfriend. Only when their guilt is proven without doubt, will they be subject to punishment of up to one year in jail and mandatory deportation from the UAE. The criminal courts have the discretion to decide on the validity of the evidence on record. You can also file for divorce on the grounds of adultery. 

My friend had a child with her boyfriend in Europe before moving to the UAE. They never married but have a settlement agreement from Europe that says the father is allowed certain visitation rights. It also says he must provide financial support towards the maintenance of the child. Can this agreement be enforced in the UAE so my friend can claim maintenance support from the father?

A physical relationship between an unmarried couple is a crime in the UAE. A child born out of wedlock is evidence that two people had a prohibited physical relationship. Accordingly, any settlement agreement between the parties involved in that relationship shall be considered void in the UAE. 

If you have a question for our legal consultant, email media@professionallawyer.me with the subject line “Family Matters”.

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.