Dubai Court Dismisses Mother’s Custody and Financial Claims
A recent ruling by the Dubai Personal Status Court has put an end to a mother’s renewed attempt to regain custody of her two sons. The court found that the issues raised had already been conclusively settled in prior judgments, reaffirming the finality of its earlier decisions.
Court Ruling Details
On October 22, 2025, Judge Majed Saif Mohammed Al Maamari presided over the case and ultimately dismissed the mother’s claims. The court determined that the matters of custody and financial support had been previously adjudicated, making the new lawsuit inadmissible. This decision marks a significant moment in a family dispute that has persisted for nearly a decade.
The court’s ruling emphasized that the mother’s claims regarding custody, financial support, and various allowances had already been addressed in earlier proceedings. The judge noted that there was no new evidence or change in circumstances that would warrant reopening the case.
Background of the Case
The parents of the two boys divorced in 2016, at which time the mother was granted custody along with alimony and housing allowances. However, in 2020, the custody of the children was transferred to the father after they reached the legal age limit for maternal custody under UAE law. This decision was upheld on appeal and confirmed by the Court of Cassation, establishing it as final and binding.
Despite these rulings, the mother filed a new lawsuit in August 2025, claiming that her younger son, now 16, expressed a desire to live with her. She also sought substantial financial support, including Dh10,000 in monthly maintenance, Dh1,000 for internet and study costs, full coverage of school fees, a domestic helper, and a vehicle or cash equivalent for transportation.
Legal Arguments Presented
Representing the father, lawyers from Al Awami Al Mansoori Advocates and Legal Consultants argued that the mother’s lawsuit was merely a repetition of previously settled claims. Lawyer Mohammed Al Awami Al Mansoori stressed that the court could not revisit a dispute that had already been conclusively decided, as the same parties and issues were involved.
Furthermore, the lawyer pointed out that the mother lacked the legal right to represent her elder son, who turned 18 in June 2025. Under UAE law, individuals who have reached the age of majority can act on their own behalf in personal status matters.
The court confirmed that the elder son had achieved legal adulthood prior to the filing of the case, which further undermined the mother’s claims. As a result, the court ruled that she did not have the standing to pursue claims on his behalf.
Financial Claims Dismissed
The court also rejected the mother’s financial demands, which included maintenance payments, school fees, and requests for a new vehicle. These claims were found to be directly linked to the custody issue, which had already been conclusively resolved.
During preliminary hearings, the court had ordered the father to provide financial disclosures, including salary records and a list of assets. The documents revealed that he owned six vehicles and had a personal bank account with a local financial institution. This financial information played a role in the court’s decision to dismiss the mother’s claims.
Ultimately, the court ruled that all claims related to the elder son were dismissed due to the mother’s lack of legal standing. The requests for custody were also denied, as the matter had been conclusively decided in earlier rulings. The mother was ordered to pay court fees and an additional Dh500 in legal costs.
FAQs
What was the outcome of the mother’s custody lawsuit?
The Dubai Personal Status Court dismissed the mother’s renewed custody lawsuit, reaffirming that the issues had already been conclusively settled in previous judgments.
Why was the mother’s financial support request denied?
The court found that the financial claims were directly linked to the custody issue, which had already been resolved, and there was no new evidence to justify reopening the case.
Can the elder son represent himself in court?
Yes, the elder son, having turned 18, has the legal capacity to act on his own behalf in personal status matters under UAE law.
Conclusion
The Dubai court’s ruling underscores the importance of finality in legal judgments, particularly in family law cases. With no new evidence presented, the court has closed this chapter of the family dispute, leaving the previous rulings intact. Moving forward, both parties must adhere to the established legal framework as they navigate their respective roles in the children’s lives.
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