Counselling saves 180 RAK marriages

Ras Al Khaimah - Actually, a significant drop in divorce cases has been reported in RAK among Emirati nationals and residents

A record number of family disputes were settled amicably in the emirate this year, according to latest official data.
The official figures show that 180 out of 736 family disputes were settled without hassles, Shaikha Ahmed Al Beriki, head of the counselling section, said.
The counselling section of the RAK Courts was founded to prevent divorces. "Up to 290 disputes on children custody and other minor issues, for example, were archived as well and were not referred to the court for separation procedures."
The growing awareness and couples' positive response to an amicable settlement have helped end many family disputes, she added. "The litigants are also advised on the critical impact of divorce on all family members."
Though up to 260 cases were referred to court, some of these were moved back to the counselling section, Al Beriki pointed out. "The couples gave more priority to the interests of the entire family, mainly their children, and agreed to end their litigation away from the court hearings."
Actually, a significant drop in divorce cases has been reported in RAK among Emirati nationals and residents, she said. "Relatives' interference was mostly blamed for several divorces, and many court hearings were over monthly maintenance and children custody."
She said that the main impact of family disputes falls on helpless children who do not receive due care or attention due to the impure atmosphere they are living in. "Settling family disputes is one of our main concerns here in the RAK courts."
The counselling section has provided 2,368 family advice sessions this year so far. "Up to 1,395 of these were in the presence of the people concerned, while 973 were on the phone by competent and well-trained counsellors." The service, launched in 2011, has helped defuse many family disputes, resulting in amicable settlements, Al Beriki said.
"The Marriage Fund, non-profit organisations, community police, mass media, and other relevant entities were significantly involved as well."
- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah