Children should never bear the financial cost of their parents’ separation. Whether you are a mother struggling to cover school fees or a father facing demands beyond your means, our goal is the same: a maintenance arrangement that genuinely reflects the child’s needs and the payer’s true capacity.
Under the Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024), the financial maintenance of children is the father’s legal obligation, regardless of who holds custody. Child maintenance encompasses far more than a monthly allowance: it covers housing for the child and custodian, food, clothing, education and school fees, medical care, and the other genuine needs of the child, assessed against the father’s financial capacity and the standard of living the family enjoyed. Maintenance continues for sons until they can earn their own living and for daughters generally until marriage, subject to the circumstances of each case.
Courts assess quantum on evidence — salary certificates, bank statements, tenancy contracts, school invoices. Where a father understates his income or pays irregularly, the court can order disclosure, and arrears of child maintenance are treated as priority debts. Enforcement tools include salary attachment, asset seizure, travel bans, and in cases of wilful non-payment, imprisonment through the execution court.
For non-Muslim families under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, financial responsibility for children is addressed within the civil framework alongside joint custody, and the court retains broad discretion to allocate the costs of a child’s upbringing fairly between both parents.
Prepare fully evidenced maintenance claims that reflect your child’s real cost of living
Defend against inflated claims with a transparent account of genuine capacity
Obtain interim maintenance orders while proceedings are ongoing
Enforce unpaid child support through salary attachment, travel bans, and execution proceedings
Apply to increase or reduce maintenance as school fees, income, or circumstances change
Who this applies to: Custodial mothers seeking adequate support, fathers who want to meet their obligations on fair and sustainable terms, parents dealing with persistent non-payment, and non-Muslim parents allocating costs under joint custody.
See also: Custody Rights Under UAE Law · Enforcing Family Court Orders.
This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. All matters are handled with strict confidentiality. Law references last reviewed July 2026.
Confidential, and free for your first review.
Call the firm+971 50 887 2523Email usinfo@abrlaw.comWhatsAppChat with our team