iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Customers are informed that drivers may be delayed due to waterlogging and traffic on the roads
KT APPDOWNLOAD
New Dubai law to allow children to choose guardian in divorce cases: Report
Kids of a certain legal age will soon be allowed to choose the parent they wish to stay with
File photo used for illustrative purposes
Children will soon be allowed to choose their guardian following a divorce according to a report published on Sunday.
Some legislation is set to be issued to let children of legal age (15 years old for boys and 18 for girls) decide whom they want to stay with — either their mother or their father, according to a report on Arabic daily Al Bayan, which quoted Ahmad Abdul Kareem, head of family reconciliation and guidance section at the Dubai Courts and chairman of the Custody Committee in the emirate.
The Custody Committee, affiliated with the Dubai Courts, was formed in April 2022 under the decree No. 7 of 2022 issued by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council.
Speaking to the daily, Ahmed Abdul Kareem said that since the committee officially started its duties in August 2022, it has completed 32 eligibility reports on the social, psychological, health and criminal status of persons seeking custody.
Procedure explained
Explaining the current process, Abdul Kareem said that issuing a custody eligibility report starts with the court assigning the committee a report regarding the suitability of the guardian for custody.
Then, the specialised committee member in the Child Protection Unit of the Community Development Authority makes a field visit to the applicant to evaluate family, social and economic conditions, and the ability to provide the necessary living, educational and health needs for the child. It also ensures that those seeking custody are free from any disease that poses a danger to the child.
The custody committee rules by majority of the votes and in case the votes are equal, the opinion of the chairman of the committee whose vote counts for two is the decisive factor.
Currently, the law does not permit the court or the custody committee to allow the children to choose between their father and mother for custody.
Abdul Kareem told the paper that it currently only seeks their opinion in some aspects that are related to the investigation of their living conditions and their satisfaction with the level of care provided by the parent.
He stressed that fathers and mothers need to respect the wishes and interests of their children, and not involve them in the disputes arising from divorce.
ALSO READ:
More news from UAE
He says that since he is in the category of 'traveller', fasting is not mandatory while he is on the ISS
Dr Sultan Al Neyadi says that these items will help him keep connection with people back home
The Deputy Ruler also shares his birthday with his first daughter Hind
The endeavour will put the nation on the list of only 11 countries that have sent their astronauts on long-term space missions
A total of 56 local and international companies have joined a nationwide initiative to raise percentage of women occupying senior leadership positions to 30%
High-profile visit signifies strong relations between the two governments
The decision has been taken in consultation with relevant authorities, and means tonight’s planned performance of Mahmoud El Esseily is cancelled