21.11.2025

Top 10 Best Divorce Lawyers in Dubai

Divorce in Dubai can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with different legal systems, children, visas, assets in multiple countries, and a lot of emotions. The right divorce lawyer in Dubai doesn’t just file paperwork; they guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you move on with clarity.

This 2025 guide highlights 10 well-known firms and family-law practitioners in Dubai who regularly advise on divorce, custody, and related disputes for residents and expats alike. It’s not a “ranking”, but a practical shortlist to help you start your search for trusted Divorce Lawyers in Dubai.

Understanding Divorce Law in Dubai

Divorce in the UAE is mainly governed by the UAE Personal Status Law for Muslims and those who choose to apply it, and by Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims. Non-Muslims can now use a civil, no-fault divorce model, which is generally faster and closer to systems used in Western countries.

Whatever your religion, the first formal step is usually to register the case with the Family Guidance/family court section, where mediators try to resolve disputes amicably before a full court case is opened. If mediation fails, the file is transferred to the court for hearings, evidence, and a final judgment on divorce, custody, support, and asset division.

Criteria Used to Select the Top 10 Divorce Lawyers in Dubai

The firms and lawyers in this list are included based on:

1. Clear focus on family and divorce law (not just general litigation)
2. Experience with complex expat and cross-border cases
3. Ability to explain UAE law and, where possible, coordinate with foreign laws
4. Strong reputation through publications, case experience or client feedback
5. Transparent communication and structured processes for clients

Top 10 Best Divorce Lawyers in Dubai

1. Chancery Chambers – Ms. Zulaiqua (Senior Family & Divorce Lawyer)

Chancery Chambers is a boutique international firm in Dubai with a dedicated family-law team handling divorce, custody, guardianship, financial relief, and enforcement of foreign orders. Their lawyers are known for a strategic yet empathetic approach, especially for expats facing cross-border issues and DIFC-related matters.

2. Dr. Hassan Elhais – Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultants

Dr Hassan Elhais is widely recognised for advising expatriates on UAE family law, including divorce, child relocation, and enforcement of foreign financial orders. Backed by Al Rowaad’s litigation team, he frequently handles high-conflict cases involving international elements, complex assets and cross-jurisdiction disputes.

3. ProConsult Advocates & Legal Consultants – Adv. Mohammad Al Najjar

ProConsult, led by Adv. Mohammad Al Najjar offers personalised advice on divorce, separation agreements, and family settlements. The firm is known for its consultative style explaining options clearly, structuring settlements to protect children and assets, and representing clients in court when negotiation is not enough.

4. HHS Lawyers & Legal Consultants – Adv. Mohammad Al Marzooqi

HHS Lawyers is a full-service firm with an experienced family law department that regularly advises on divorce, custody, guardianship, and inheritance disputes. Their team combines courtroom advocacy with alternative dispute resolution, which is particularly useful where families want to minimise conflict and preserve co-parenting relationships.

5. STA Law Firm – Adv. Sadiq Syed

STA Law Firm has a strong regional presence and a robust family law practice covering marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance across the GCC. Their Dubai office frequently supports clients with Sharia-based divorces, expat family disputes and complex jurisdiction questions when spouses are from different countries.

6. Al Suwaidi & Company – Adv. Mohamed Al Suwaidi

Operating since the 1990s, Al Suwaidi & Company is a respected UAE firm and the only UAE member of the Multilaw network, providing clients with access to cross-border expertise. Their team advises on family and personal status matters, as well as commercial disputes a valuable service when divorce involves businesses, real estate portfolios, or offshore assets.

7. Fotis International Law Firm – Adv. Laila Abdul Aziz

Fotis International Law Firm maintains an active practice in family and divorce law, as well as commercial and criminal law. Their lawyers routinely handle divorces involving international relocation, alimony, and custody disputes, making them a practical choice for expats whose lives and assets are spread across several countries.

8. Gulf Legal Consultants – Adv. Ibrahim Al Khouri

Gulf Legal Consultants (GLC) forms part of a wider regional network, providing clients with access to lawyers familiar with Gulf family law systems. Advocates such as Ibrahim Al Khouri are experienced in representing clients in courts and advising on personal status matters, including divorce and related civil claims.

9. Al Safar & Partners – Adv. Yousuf Bin Sulaiman

With over forty years of practice, Al Safar & Partners is one of Dubai’s long-established law firms. The firm is consistently ranked among the top law firms in the UAE and provides comprehensive support in litigation, arbitration, and family disputes – particularly where divorce overlaps with property, company shares, and real estate investments.

10. Bin Eid Advocates & Legal Consultants – Adv. Aisha Bin Eid

Bin Eid Advocates & Legal Consultants is a full-service UAE firm with offices in Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Adv. Aisha Abdul Karim Bin Eid is recognised for her expertise in matrimonial, custody, and labour cases, making the firm a strong option for clients seeking focused guidance on family disputes, as well as related employment or immigration issues.

Average Cost of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in Dubai

Legal fees vary widely, but most reputable Divorce Lawyers in Dubai follow similar ranges:

1. Initial consultation: roughly AED 500–2,000 depending on seniority and complexity.
2. Hourly rates for divorce and family matters typically range from AED 1,000 to AED 2,500 per hour for experienced lawyers.
3. Uncontested/amicable divorce packages: many firms offer flat fees starting from about AED 5,000–10,000.
4. Contested or high-value cases: total legal fees can easily reach AED 10,000–50,000+ once court hearings, translations and expert reports are included.

Always ask for a written fee proposal, which should include any applicable court fees, translation costs, and disbursements.

How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer in Dubai

When comparing divorce lawyer Dubai options, look at:

1. Specialisation: Do they regularly handle divorce and custody, or mainly corporate work?
2. Experience with your profile: expats, business owners, stay-at-home spouses, etc.
3. Communication: Do they explain the law in plain English/Arabic and give realistic expectations?
4. Fee structure: hourly vs. fixed fee, payment milestones, and what is included.
5. Location and access: If you prefer to meet in person, search for nearby divorce lawyers so that visits to their office and the courts are manageable.

Most Common Divorce Issues in Dubai & How Good Lawyers Handle Them

1. Jurisdiction & applicable law: deciding whether UAE law, your home-country law, or civil personal status law for non-Muslims should apply.
2. Child custody & visitation: negotiating parenting plans that reflect UAE court practice while protecting the children’s best interests.
3. Financial support: calculating alimony and child support in line with court guidelines and practical living costs.
4. Asset division: tracing properties, companies and offshore assets, then structuring settlements that courts are willing to approve.
5. Immigration and visas: planning for residency, sponsorship and travel restrictions after the divorce.

Strong lawyers combine legal strategy with negotiation skills, so many of these issues are settled before trial.

Divorce Timeline in Dubai — Step-by-Step Process

While every case is different, the divorce process in Dubai usually follows these stages:

1. Initial legal consultation – review facts, documents, children, and assets.
2. Filing or registration – the case is registered with the Family Guidance/court system.
3. Reconciliation/mediation sessions – mandatory for many Muslim-law cases; parties attempt settlement with a counsellor.
4. Court proceedings – if no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to court; each side files pleadings, evidence, and expert reports.
5. Judgment – the court issues decisions on divorce, custody, maintenance and other claims.
6. Implementation – transfer of assets, execution orders, and any appeals.

Simple, uncontested cases may be resolved in a few months; contested cases can take a year or more.

Why Chancery Chambers Is a Top Choice for Divorce Cases in Dubai

Chancery Chambers stands out in this list for its focus on complex, often expat-heavy divorce and family disputes. The firm’s family-law team, led by senior practitioners such as Ms Zulaiqua, routinely handles cases involving foreign court orders, DIFC or offshore assets, and cross-border custody issues.

They emphasise clear advice from the first meeting: explaining the likely path in court, settlement options, realistic timelines and costs. Their client-centred, multilingual approach makes them a strong option if you want a single team to manage both local court proceedings and the international angles of your case.

Conclusion

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Dubai is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a very emotional time. Use this list as a starting point, speak to a few firms, compare their strategy and fee proposals, and then go with the team you feel truly understands your situation and goals.

FAQs

1. Do I really need a divorce lawyer in Dubai?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but the procedures, translations, and court filings can be complex and technical. A specialised divorce lawyer in Dubai will usually save time, protect your rights, and help avoid mistakes that are difficult to fix later.

2. How do I start the divorce process in Dubai?

Normally, you begin by registering a case with the Family Guidance section or the family court, and then attend reconciliation sessions. If no agreement is reached, the matter will be decided by a judge in court. A lawyer can prepare your documents and represent you at each stage.

3. Can non-Muslims follow their home-country law?

In many cases, non-Muslims can choose to apply the UAE’s civil personal status law for non-Muslims or request the application of their home country’s law, subject to court approval. A specialist family lawyer will explain which option is more practical in your situation.

4. How can I find nearby divorce lawyers I can trust?

Shortlist firms from this guide, search online for nearby divorce lawyers, and check independent reviews. Then book one or two paid consultations, compare how clearly each lawyer explains your options, and choose the one who combines technical strength with empathy and transparency.

5.How long does the divorce process take in Dubai?

Simple, amicable divorces can be completed within a few months. Contested cases involving custody, assets, or jurisdiction issues may take 6–12 months or longer, depending on hearings and evidence requirements.

6.Can expats divorce in Dubai even if they married abroad?

Yes. Both Muslim and non-Muslim expats can file for divorce in Dubai. Courts allow parties to use UAE Personal Status Law or (in some cases) the law of their home country. The choice depends on religion, residency, and case specifics.