Up to Dh100,000 Fines: UAE Imposes Stricter Penalties for Family Care Violations and Financial Misconduct

The UAE has introduced significant amendments to its personal status laws, which are set to take effect on April 15, aiming to better protect vulnerable groups, including minors and elderly parents.

The new regulations come with substantial penalties for those who violate provisions related to family care, financial misconduct, and custodial responsibilities.

One of the most notable provisions addresses the protection of children, particularly in terms of travel. Custodians who travel with a child under their care without the explicit consent of the child’s guardian or the court may face fines of up to Dh100,000 or imprisonment. The law also holds individuals accountable for neglecting or refusing to care for their parents. Any form of abuse, neglect, or failure to support elderly parents financially when mandated by the court could lead to penalties ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000, alongside possible imprisonment.

Additionally, the new law targets financial misconduct related to minors' assets. Those found guilty of embezzling, squandering, or mishandling a minor’s funds could face severe fines and imprisonment, with penalties ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000.

The reform further strengthens familial duties, ensuring that individuals who either abuse, assault, or neglect their parents are held accountable, particularly when they have the means to provide care. Similarly, the law takes a firm stance on protecting estate assets by imposing harsh penalties on those who fraudulently seize, destroy, or conceal any part of an estate’s property.

The decree also introduces important provisions for marriage and custody matters. One such change is the legal age for marriage, which is now set at 18 years, ensuring greater protection for young individuals. A significant amendment is the new guideline allowing children aged 15 and above to choose which parent to live with, in alignment with their best interests.

For individuals involved in marriage annulments, the law shortens the arbitration period for cases related to harm from 90 to 60 days, ensuring swifter resolutions. Furthermore, the decree enables women to bypass their guardian’s approval in certain situations, granting them the right to marry a suitable partner of their choice.

Regarding custody, the new law unifies the age limit, raising the termination of custody to 18 years for both boys and girls. It also brings a more balanced approach to custody for non-Muslim mothers, granting courts discretion in making decisions based on the child’s best interests, rather than adhering to a fixed age limit.

These sweeping changes reflect the UAE’s commitment to modernizing family laws and safeguarding the rights of individuals across different stages of life, from minors to elderly parents.

News Source: Khaleej Times