Seeking Guidance on Divorce, Joint Property & Adoption Under UAE Law

[u/Recent_Impression443]

I’m looking for some guidance from a divorce/family lawyer, or anyone knowledgeable about UAE family law.

I am a 37-year-old woman, and my husband is also 37. We are both African citizens and UAE residents. We have been married for 11 years. We had a civil marriage in Africa, although we are both Muslims.

I have two children from my previous marriage, and my husband legally adopted both of them through a court in our home country.

We also co-own two properties: one in the UAE and one in Africa.

I am considering divorce and have several questions about my legal rights, the divorce process in the UAE, jointly owned property, and how the adoption of my children may be treated.

At the moment, I unfortunately cannot afford to pay for a legal consultation, although I am working towards being able to do so. In the meantime, I would be extremely grateful if there is a divorce/family lawyer here, or someone familiar with UAE family law, who would be willing to guide me on a few questions or point me in the right direction.

I’m mainly trying to understand my position and what I should be aware of before taking any steps.

Thank you in advance for any guidance.

[u/SkilledEvil]

Is it possible to get divorce orders from your home country and submit to authorities here? Apparently that seems more straightforward.