How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Dubai?

Going through a divorce isn’t easy, and if you’re in Dubai, it might seem even more daunting. The big question playing on your mind might be, “What’s the cost of a divorce lawyer here?”

On average, you could end up paying anywhere between AED 10,000 and AED 100,000 for a divorce lawyer in Dubai.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered through the entire cost of hiring a divorce lawyer in Dubai. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what lies ahead. So, let’s dive in!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in Dubai

Complexity of the Case

The more complex your case, the more time and effort your lawyer will need to put into it, which will result in higher fees.

Here are a few instances that show how complicated the situation can be:

• Contested divorce: This is when two parties cannot agree on the terms of the divorce. This can be time-consuming and expensive, as the parties will need to go through the court system to resolve their differences.

• Disputes over property: If the couple cannot agree on how to divide the assets, this can be a complex process.

• Child custody: If the couple has any children, they will need to decide who will have custody of the children.

• Alimony: Alimony is financial support that one spouse pays to the other spouse after the divorce. Alimony can be awarded in either contested or uncontested divorces.

The amount of alimony that is awarded will depend on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, the income of the spouses, and the needs of the spouse who is seeking alimony.

Experience of the Lawyer

In general, experienced divorce lawyers in Dubai charge between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000 per case.

More experienced lawyers typically charge higher rates than less experienced lawyers. This is because they have a proven track record of success and can provide you with the best possible representation.

Location of the Practice

Lawyers in Dubai’s most central and affluent areas tend to charge higher rates than lawyers in less central or less affluent areas. This is because they have higher overhead costs and need to charge higher rates to maintain their profitability.

Law firms in central and affluent areas face higher expenses due to factors such as elevated rental prices, increased lawyer salaries driven by competitive talent acquisition, and higher marketing costs necessary to reach a broader client base.

Length of Timeto Resolve

A divorce in Dubai can be resolved in a few months if the parties are able to agree on all of the terms of the divorce. However, if the parties are unable to agree, the divorce process can take several years.

The longer the case takes to resolve, the higher the legal fees will be. An uncontested divorce typically takes three to six months to resolve while contested divorces can take several years to resolve.

Generally, divorce cases can range from relatively straightforward procedures to more complicated situations involving disputes over child custody, alimony, and property distribution.

Lawyers often charge by the hour and their rates can vary significantly.

• Short-term case (a few months): For a relatively straightforward divorce case that lasts a few months, legal fees might range between AED 10,000 to AED 30,000. 

This includes the cost of the lawyer, court fees, and administrative costs. But if there are additional complications like disputes over child custody or assets, the cost can be higher.

• Long-term case (a few years): For a divorce case that lasts a few years, you might expect to pay considerably more due to the increased time and complexity. The costs can range from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000 or more.

This estimate includes legal fees, court costs, and potentially expert witnesses or consultants, among other expenses.

Alimony in Dubai: How Is It Calculated?

Alimony in Dubai is governed by the Personal Status Law No. 28 of 2005. Under this law, a wife is entitled to alimony from her husband if the marriage is dissolved by divorce, death, or khula (a type of divorce initiated by the wife).

The amount of alimony is determined by the court, taking into account the financial circumstances of both parties and the needs of the wife.

There are two types of alimony in Dubai:

• Mut’a: This is a one-time payment that is made to the wife after divorce. The amount of mut’a is determined by the court, but it’s typically based on the husband’s income and the wife’s needs.

• Radaa: This is a monthly payment that is made to the wife for as long as she remains unmarried. The amount of radaa is also determined by the court, but it’s typically based on the husband’s income and the wife’s needs.

The wife is not required to pay alimony to her husband or children. However, she may be required to contribute to the cost of their maintenance if she is able to do so.

The court may also order the husband to pay for the wife’s mahr (bridal gift) if it has not been paid in full. The mahr is a sum of money or property that is given by the husband to the wife at the time of marriage.

Alimony in Dubai is not a mandatory part of divorce proceedings. The court will only award alimony if it’s in the best interests of the parties involved, and if awarded, it’s generally for the wife.

Alimony can be paid in a lump sum or in instalments, modified or terminated and is not tax-deductible for the paying spouse.

Other Additional Costs of Divorce Proceedings in Dubai

Let’s talk about the overall costs of getting a divorce. It isn’t just about the lawyer’s fees—there are several other aspects you need to consider.

• Court Fees: These are obligatory and can range anywhere from AED 1000 to AED 10,000. The cost usually depends on the complexity of the case and the number of court visits required.

• Translation Costs: If your marriage certificate isn’t in Arabic, you’ll need to get it translated, which can cost around AED 150 to AED 500.

• Publication Fees: If your spouse’s whereabouts are unknown, an ad in the newspaper is required, which can cost up to AED 2000.

• Counselling Fees: Mandatory counselling sessions before divorce are an integral part of the UAE divorce law. These counselling fees can add up to AED 500.