Divorce
Clear legal support for divorce in the UAE, helping you protect your rights, family, assets and future. With senior legal guidance.
Divorce
Divorce involving different nationalities, assets in multiple countries, or French law is among the most complex legal situations an individual can face. We handle international strategy, French-law proceedings, and domestic violence matters – with expertise that most UAE firms simply don’t have.
In-depth description
Divorce is never simple. When international elements are involved – different nationalities, assets across multiple countries, children caught in the middle – it becomes one of the most complex legal challenges a person can face. Our team handles the full spectrum of divorce matters, from the initial strategic advisory to full representation in proceedings.
International/Cross-Border Divorce
This is our premier strategic service for high-stakes divorces with international elements. We advise on complex jurisdictional races (forum shopping), the division of assets located across multiple countries, and challenging child relocation matters. Our focus is on creating a cohesive global strategy to protect your interests, wherever they may lie.
Scope of work
- Conduct a comprehensive initial strategy session to analyze the case’s international dimensions (assets, children, nationalities).
- Provide a formal legal opinion on the most advantageous jurisdiction (“forum”) and applicable law for the divorce.
- Coordinate with legal counsel in other relevant jurisdictions to create a cohesive global strategy.
- Manage all legal proceedings in the UAE, including drafting submissions and representing the client in court.
- Advise on the enforcement of foreign court orders in the UAE, and vice versa.
Deliverables
- A detailed Strategic Litigation Memorandum.
- Representation in all UAE court proceedings.
- Coordination of global legal strategy.
- Regular, in-depth case status reports.
Pricing
AED 8,000 – AED 250,000+
Cumulative assessment – billed Hourly or Lump Sum.Primary Determinants of Pricing
Review, advice on options, explain pros and cons, jurisdiction advice, execution, AED 8,000 – AED 12,000.
Litigation, AED 15,000 – AED 250,000+.Complexity, amicable arrangement, multi-jurisdiction, children.
Number of cases initiated in UAE/abroad.
Emergency applications, kidnapping, blackmail, violence (police and prosecution).
Divorce (French Nationals)
We offer unparalleled expertise for French nationals divorcing in the UAE. Leveraging our deep knowledge of the French Civil Code, we can advise on applying French law in the UAE courts. We handle all aspects, from the division of assets under your French matrimonial regime to claims for post-divorce maintenance (prestation compensatoire).
Scope of work
- Initial strategy session focused on the application of the French Civil Code.
- Advise on all aspects of the divorce under French law, including the division of assets under the specific French matrimonial regime and claims for prestation compensatoire.
- Prepare and submit all legal filings to the UAE court, framed according to the principles of French law.
- Represent the client in all court proceedings in the UAE.
Deliverables
- A legal strategy tailored to French law.
- Full representation in UAE courts.
- A final divorce decree intended for straightforward recognition in France.
Pricing
- AED 20,000 to AED 1,000,000 (Hourly rate for international proceedings and judicial strategy)
Divorce (French Non-French)
This service addresses the profound legal complexities of a mixed-nationality divorce involving French law. We specialize in navigating the intricate conflict of laws between the French, UAE, and the non-French spouse’s legal systems. Our primary role is to provide a strategic recommendation on the most advantageous jurisdiction and applicable law for your specific case.
Scope of work
- In-depth conflict of laws analysis to determine the most advantageous jurisdiction and legal framework (French, non-French, or UAE law).
- Provide a strategic recommendation based on the client’s priorities (financial outcome, child custody).
- Manage all legal proceedings in the chosen forum, coordinating with international counsel as needed.
- Draft and file all legal submissions, navigating the intersection of the different legal systems.
Deliverables
- A formal Strategic Memorandum on the recommended jurisdiction and applicable law.
- Full legal representation in the UAE and/or coordination with foreign counsel.
Pricing
- AED 20,000 to AED 1,000,000 (Hourly rate for international proceedings and judicial strategy)
- AED 15,000 to AED 250,000 (Fixed Fee for UAE court proceedings)
Domestic Violence
We provide urgent and discreet legal intervention for victims of domestic violence, focusing on securing immediate protection through restraining orders and pursuing further legal action. We also ensure a fair process and vigorous defense for those wrongfully accused of such acts, navigating these sensitive matters with the utmost care and professionalism.
Scope of work
- Provide an urgent and confidential consultation to assess the situation and immediate risks.
- For victims: File for an immediate protective/restraining order and initiate criminal and/or family court proceedings.
- For the wrongfully accused: Provide immediate legal counsel upon investigation or arrest and build a robust defense.
- Represent the client vigorously in all police interviews, investigations, and court hearings.
Deliverables
- Urgent legal intervention and representation.
- Filed applications for protective orders.
- A comprehensive defense strategy.
Pricing
- AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 (Fixed fee for filing criminal case or family case)
Is your divorce situation more complex than it looks?
Do you and your spouse hold different nationalities?
Are your assets spread across multiple countries?
Are you or your spouse a French national?
Have you experienced domestic violence or threats?
Frequently asked questions
In some circumstances, yes. A travel ban can be requested through the courts during divorce or debt proceedings, and may be granted ex parte. There are legal mechanisms to challenge or lift an unjustified ban, but acting quickly is essential as delays narrow the options available.
Key contacts:
Romain Astruc
Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation
Géraldine Heimburger
Partner – Family Law, Notarial & Litigation
David Dutruc-Rosset
Associate – Family, Individuals & Litigation
Other services you might need
Divorce rarely stands alone. Asset division, child custody and wealth protection all require dedicated attention in parallel.
Custody & Family Disputes - Children & Support
Matrimonial Regimes & Applicable Laws Analysis
Asset Protection & Tax Planning for Individuals
WHAT SET US APART
Why ASTRUC & Co
International divorce is complex. We handle the strategy, jurisdiction and emotional stakes with equal rigour.
1.
Jurisdiction strategy
Where you file matters enormously. We analyse every available jurisdiction, identify the most favourable forum and act decisively – because being first to file is often the
2.
Senior counsel only
Divorce involving assets, children and multiple countries is not a matter for junior lawyers. Your case is handled directly by experienced counsel who know French and UAE
3.
French-UAE fluency
Most UAE family lawyers handle local cases. We operate across French law, UAE civil family law and international private law – giving internationally mobile clients an
More than legal counsel
With you, all the way
Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.
From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.
Ready to move forward?
Talk to our team about your situation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you move forward with clarity.
