Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a free 15-minute initial check. If your case requires a deep dive into documents or a formal legal opinion, we charge a nominal fee that is often credited back to you if you retain our services.

You can schedule a consultation by calling our office, sending us a message via WhatsApp, or filling out the contact form on our website; our team will confirm the date and time with you.

QLegal Consultants handles a wide range of matters, including corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, debt collection, criminal cases, real estate and complex business matters for individuals and companies in the UAE.

For your first consultation, bring any relevant contracts, correspondence, court documents, IDs, and a brief written summary of your situation so the lawyer can assess your case efficiently.

The duration of a case depends on its complexity, the type of matter, and the court or authority involved, so after reviewing your documents the lawyer will provide an estimated timeline for each stage.

Article 114 of the Personal Status Law, enacted in April 2025, prioritizes the child’s emotional wellbeing and stability in custody decisions. It establishes the mother as the primary custodian until the child turns 18 years old, unless a court finds the mother unfit or unable to provide proper care. This reform aligns traditional Islamic law principles with modern child psychology, focusing on the best interests of the child. Our legal experts at QLegal guide you through how this affects your rights and what evidence might influence court decisions.

Learn more about how these changes affect your rights and custody processes at QLegal Family Law Services.

In the UAE, custody laws differ based on religious affiliations. Muslim families are governed primarily by the Personal Status Law (قانون الأحوال الشخصية) which favors the mother as the custodian during the child’s formative years. However, fathers typically retain guardianship rights for legal matters. Non-Muslim families follow Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 which allows more flexible custody arrangements, including joint custody and greater consideration of the child’s preferences after age 15. QLegal’s family law team works closely with both Muslim and non-Muslim clients, tailoring custody strategies to the applicable legal framework.

For specific legal guidance, visit QLegal Consultants.

Custody (الحضانة) refers to the day-to-day care and upbringing of a child, including responsibility for education, health, and general welfare. Guardianship (الولاية), on the other hand, involves the legal authority over a child’s affairs such as financial decisions, property, and legal representation. While mothers usually have custody, guardianship often resides with the father or another designated guardian unless a court adjustment is warranted. Understanding this distinction is crucial for parents involved in family law disputes, and our lawyers ensure your rights in both areas are protected.

To understand your legal rights fully, consult with experts at QLegal's Family Law informational page

Under the latest child custody provisions, children aged 15 and above are given the legal right to express their preference regarding which parent to live with. Courts take this choice seriously but will always balance it against the overall best interest of the child (مصلحة الطفل الفضلى). QLegal advises families on how the child’s maturity and preferences influence custody hearings and provides support to ensure the child’s voice is heard effectively.

Qualified family law lawyers (محاميين الأسرة) at QLegal bring deep expertise in navigating the specialized custody laws of both Muslim and non-Muslim families in the UAE. Our lawyers assist in mediation, court proceedings, document preparation, and strategic legal planning to protect parental rights and promote the child’s welfare. We help clients understand complex legal criteria, gather essential evidence, and communicate effectively with courts and opposing parties. Legal representation from QLegal ensures you have a compassionate ally during custody disputes, increasing chances for favorable outcomes. 

Document all repair requests in writing (email is best). Allow reasonable time for response. If repairs are still not completed, you have several options:

• Withhold rent (place it in escrow)
• Request contract termination
• Seek damages for inconvenience and damages caused by the lack of repairs

Consult a lawyer to ensure proper procedures are followed and your position is legally sound.

The RTA typically resolves disputes within 30-60 days, though complex cases may take longer. The timeline depends on case complexity, evidence quality, and whether both parties cooperate. Having legal representation can accelerate the process by ensuring all documentation is properly submitted and procedures are correctly followed.

No. Landlords cannot force you out without a valid court order. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal. If you receive an eviction notice, verify its legality immediately. Many notices are defective and can be challenged. Legal representation protects your right to remain in the property if the eviction is improper.

Landlords have the right to enter for legitimate purposes (maintenance, inspections) but must provide notice (typically 24 hours) except in emergencies. Unauthorized or excessive entries violate your rights. Document such incidents and consult a lawyer to prevent harassment or unauthorized access.

Breaking a lease early is complex and depends on your lease terms, the reason for breaking, and applicable law. Valid grounds sometimes include uninhabitable conditions, material landlord breaches, or landlord refusal to maintain the property. Penalties or notice requirements may apply. Consult a lawyer to understand your options and obligations.

If you move into a property that doesn't match the agreed condition, you have rights to:

• Demand repairs to match the lease description
• Request rent reduction
• Terminate the lease
• Seek compensation for damages

Document the discrepancies with photographs and written descriptions. Legal representation helps establish what was promised versus what was delivered.

Most charges beyond rent (maintenance, management fees) must be explicitly agreed to in the lease. Surprise charges violate contractual terms. Review your lease carefully - if fees aren't listed, they likely cannot be charged. Challenge unauthorized charges with legal support.

The RTA (Rental Dispute Settlement Centre) is a specialized authority handling rental conflicts. It's faster and less formal than civil court. However, if either party disagrees with an RTA ruling, they can appeal to court. RTA is recommended first for most disputes; court is appropriate for complex matters or appeals.

Create a comprehensive record:

• Take dated photographs of every room (empty, good lighting)
• Record video walkthrough narrating the condition
• Create a written condition report noting any existing damage
• Keep receipts for any cleaning or maintenance you've performed
• Have the landlord sign the condition report if possible

This documentation prevents disputes over move-out deductions and supports your position in deposit recovery claims.

Before signing:

• Read the entire lease carefully
• Identify any unusual or concerning clauses
• Research property reference prices and legal rent limits
• Verify the property condition with photographs
• Create a signed condition report with the landlord
• Understand your exit options and penalties
• Consult a lawyer if you're unfamiliar with rental law

This investment of time prevents costly disputes later.

Whether you need a local partner depends on your business activity and where you register (mainland or specific free zone), as many activities now allow up to 100% foreign ownership under the current UAE companies law and foreign investment rules.

Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development and can trade across the UAE without restriction, while free zone companies are governed by their free zone authority, often enjoy full foreign ownership and customs benefits, but have limits on direct onshore trading.

Typical requirements include passport copies of shareholders and managers, proof of address, a basic business plan, company name reservation, and constitutional documents such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association prepared in line with UAE law.

The timeframe varies by emirate and free zone, but once documents are in order, many UAE company setups can be completed within a few days to a few weeks, depending on approvals, licensing and any additional regulatory clearances.

A corporate lawyer can advise on choosing the right legal structure, draft and review contracts, ensure compliance with UAE corporate, tax and regulatory laws, and represent your business in negotiations or disputes.

Not all contracts must be in writing, but for complex, high-value or cross-border deals a written contract is strongly recommended to prove the agreed terms and reduce disputes under UAE Civil Code principles.

A valid contract generally requires clear offer and acceptance, legal capacity of the parties, a lawful subject matter, and definite terms so obligations can be performed and enforced by the courts.

Commercial contracts are often drafted in English, but Arabic is the official language before UAE onshore courts, so key agreements should either be bilingual or capable of accurate legal translation if a dispute arises.​

Well-drafted UAE contracts usually cover scope of work or services, price and payment terms, duration, termination, governing law and jurisdiction, dispute resolution, confidentiality and liability or indemnity provisions tailored to the transaction.

A contract lawyer can check if the agreement meets UAE legal requirements, identify risky or unclear terms, align clauses with your commercial goals, and negotiate changes to better protect your interests.