UAE Revamps Family Laws: New Marriage Age Rules and Stricter Penalties for Parental Abuse
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced significant reforms to its Personal Status Laws, set to take effect in 2025. These changes aim to strengthen family welfare, uphold societal harmony, and modernize the nation’s legal framework to meet the evolving needs of contemporary families. Key updates include the introduction of a minimum marriage age and stricter penalties for parental abuse. Minimum Marriage Age and Requirements One of the most significant reforms is the establishment of a minimum age for marriage. Individuals must now be at least 18 years old to marry. Judicial exceptions may be granted for those under 18, provided a court deems the union to be in their best interests. This measure seeks to prevent child marriages and ensure emotional and physical preparedness for marital responsibilities. Stricter Penalties for Parental Abuse Parental abuse has been redefined as any act of verbal, physical, or emotional harm against parents, making it a criminal offense. The penalties include: Fines: Offenders can be fined up to AED 500,000. Imprisonment: Sentences can extend up to three years, depending on the severity of the abuse. Aggravating Factors: Harsher penalties apply in cases of repeated abuse or financial exploitation. These provisions underscore the UAE’s commitment to preserving family values and protecting the elderly, emphasizing the moral duty of children to respect and care for their parents. Enhancing Family Welfare The reforms also address other aspects of family welfare: Child Custody: Non-Muslim mothers are granted greater flexibility in custody cases, aligning with international standards. Courts encourage shared custody arrangements unless one parent is deemed unfit. Inheritance for Non-Muslims: Non-Muslims can now draft wills according to their personal wishes, allowing for greater flexibility in asset distribution. These updates reflect the UAE’s broader vision of a balanced and inclusive society. By raising the legal marriage age, the reforms protect minors from premature responsibilities and encourage their personal and educational development. The introduction of stricter penalties for parental abuse reinforces respect within households and preserves core Emirati values.
0 Comments
Add your comment