In the UAE, how is an expat-owned home divided after a divorce, and who gets to stay in the property?

Under Dubai law, property ownership is determined strictly by the name on the Dubai Land Department title deed, meaning if a villa is registered only in the husband’s name, he is the legal owner and generally has the right to remain in the home after divorce; however, if the wife has custody of minor children, a court may allow her and the children to stay temporarily in the property in the children’s best interests, without transferring ownership. If the property is jointly owned, both spouses retain rights according to their shares, and if the wife contributed financially to the mortgage, she may seek reimbursement through legal proceedings, even if the title is not in her name. What do you think — should financial contribution matter as much as whose name is on the title deed when couples divorce?

Add your Comment:

+