The UAE’s Personal Status Law has undergone significant reforms, offering clearer and more modern procedures for residents of all nationalities. Yet, the interplay between civil law, Sharia-based principles, and cross-border rules can make personal status matters legally complex. ATB Legal serves as your trusted guide through these intersections, simplifying processes, safeguarding your interests, and ensuring compliance across all UAE jurisdictions.

Wills Registration

Preparing a legally recognised Will in the UAE is essential for protecting your estate, especially for expatriates whose home-country inheritance laws may differ. We assist with drafting, reviewing, and registering Wills across DIFC and ADJD, ensuring your assets, guardianship choices, and succession preferences are fully protected.

Probate, Inheritance & Succession

When a loved one passes away, families often face unfamiliar procedures. Probate requirements, documentation, and jurisdictional variations can quickly become overwhelming. Our team manages probate filings, sworn statements, succession certificates, estate liquidation, distribution, and guardianship matters across all major UAE courts. We coordinate with banks, property registries, and corporate bodies to ensure smooth execution and timely release of assets.

Civil Marriage Registration & Pre-/Post-Nuptial Agreements

The UAE now offers streamlined civil marriage pathways for expatriates and non-Muslims. ATB Legal ensures full compliance with procedural requirements, supports couples through document preparation and online filings, and arranges registration before ADJD or Dubai Courts. We also prepare iron-clad pre- and post-nuptial agreements tailored to multinational families, protecting assets, clarifying rights, and ensuring enforceability in foreign jurisdictions.

Divorce & Family Dispute Resolution

Divorce is a major life transition, emotionally, financially, and legally. Whether through no-fault procedures, mediated settlements, or contested litigation, ATB Legal acts with dignity, discretion, and strategic insight. Our services include initiating divorce applications, drafting settlement agreements, handling custody and visitation disputes, managing financial settlements, and advising on recognition of foreign divorce orders. We prioritise negotiated solutions to minimise conflict, especially where children are involved.

Child Custody, Guardianship & Relocation

Child custody matters require exceptional sensitivity. Our team focuses on the best-interest principle when advising parents on custody, guardianship, visitation, relocation requests, and parental responsibility arrangements. We represent clients before Family Guiding Centres and courts, ensuring children’s welfare remains at the centre of all decisions.

Corporate Structures for Family Wealth Protection

Modern families increasingly use corporate and trust-based structures to safeguard assets across generations. ATB Legal designs and implements foundations, trusts, and holding structures under ADGM, DIFC, and RAK ICC frameworks. These structures complement Wills, protect family businesses, streamline inheritance, and ensure long-term governance aligned with your family’s values and objectives.

Cross-Border Considerations

In a globally connected UAE environment, clients often have assets, children, businesses, or spouses in multiple jurisdictions. Our lawyers advise on conflict-of-law issues, enforceability abroad, treaty obligations, foreign court orders, and reconciling different legal systems. This ensures that your UAE arrangements remain practical and effective wherever life takes you.

A Unified, Client-Centric Approach

Across every service category, ATB Legal provides a consistent, empathetic, and solution-oriented approach. Whether drafting a Will, mediating a custody dispute, or establishing a family foundation, we prioritise clarity, confidentiality, and strategic foresight — allowing families to navigate personal transitions with confidence.