All matters concerning marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance are covered by the personal status laws in the UAE. A lawyer dealing with personal status cases or cases involving families is known as a family lawyer. A family lawyer requires in-depth knowledge of the personal status laws and the understanding of the local cultures to become adept at family law. He also requires a unique skill set to understand his clients and become efficient in the field. Let us break down the requirements of a family lawyer and how to spot the best family lawyer for your case.
Knowledge of law
To be successful in a family matter, it is of the utmost importance that the lawyer be an expert in family laws in the UAE. The UAE has recently brought in significant changes in its family laws by issuing a new family law, namely Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024. A lawyer representing your case must be well aware of the laws and the changes brought about by it.
Dr. Hassan- Finest in the Field
With over 19 years of experience practicing as a legal consultant, Dr. Hassan Elhais has an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of law. During the course of his practice, he has developed a particular niche in Family Law, having dealt with more than 17,500 family matters in the UAE.
Dr. Hassan Elhais’ expertise is evidenced by the large number of legal articles that he publishes for various online and offline platforms. He has authored over 300 publications dealing with topics regarding parental child abduction, financial rights after divorce, UAE family and inheritance laws, enforcement of foreign judgements and many others. His legal excerpts are regularly featured in The National, the Khaleej Times and international news outlets like Bloomberg and the Associated Press. Online platforms such as the U.K. based Mondaq, Lexis Middle East, JD Supra contain many articles by Dr. Hassan on various topics in law.
Among his noteworthy publications, Dr. Hassan has authored a UAE chapter for the 6th edition of International Comparative Legal Guides on Family Law 2023 published by Global Legal Group. He has also authored a chapter of UAE family law in the Chambers and Partners Practice guide for the year 2025. As a result of his numerous literary contributions, Dr. Hassan has been recognised with various awards throughout his career. Among his most recent accolades, Dr. Hassan was awarded the Reader’s Choice Award for the year 2025 for publishing some of the most popular articles on international law and family law. He has also been hailed as the Leading Author by Lexology Legal Influencers for Private Client – Asia-Pacific, for the years 2020 and 2023.
Local culture
Although laws in the UAE are based on Sharia principles, matters relating to family law are often embedded in the local culture. Consequently, to develop a deep understanding of these laws, it is important to be aware of the local culture of the country and the context of law.
Dr. Hassan completed his master’s degree and PhD in law from Monofiya University in Egypt, focusing on multiple legal disciplines and civil law. He then moved to Dubai in 2006 and has since been a proud member of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy (previously Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultants), performing as one of its esteemed legal consultants in the UAE. His many years of experience working with both locals and expatriates has exposed him to the local cultures and customs of the UAE. He has applied this knowledge in attaining legal victories for his clients who are both nationals of UAE and expatriates in the country. His profound educational foundation has equipped him to adeptly handle complex legal matters and help his clients. He provides excellent legal assistance to UAE residents who need help in navigating sensitive legal issues related to family law – including divorce child custody, and financial support. Additionally, Dr. Hassan Elhais assists in other areas of law as well – including criminal, commercial, and civil disputes in the emirates.
Drafting/Documentation Skills
Dr. Hassan Elhais is an expert at constructing detailed statements of claim and legal notices. He specializes in drafting and executing Sharia/ UAE laws compliant post nuptial and divorce settlement agreements. His work often involves expat cases regarding divorce, child custody, and international family law cases within the UAE legal system.
Having been hailed as the best family lawyer in Dubai by various international and local platforms, Dr. Hassan is frequently appointed by foreign clients to act as an expert on UAE laws before foreign courts. He has drafted legal opinions for firms based in the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, Singapore, France, Switzerland and many other countries, on topics ranging from divorce proceedings and enforcement of foreign awards, to parental agreements and parental child abduction.
Legal Strategy and Tactics
To be the best family lawyer in the UAE, it is not sufficient to be aware of the UAE laws and regulations. An able family lawyer must also be able to develop a strong case, applying sound tactics.
Dr. Hassan Elhais is known to expertly interpret laws and apply it to real life cases. He can analyse the many events that has occurred in the previous years, and tactfully draft claim statements using these events. With his eye for details, he fishes out the relevant information and strategically highlights them in the documents to be submitted to the courts. He also provides strategic consultations for his clients.
As a leading family law specialist in the UAE, Dr. Hassan Elhais is on the recommended list of foreign embassies such as Australia, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom to provide legal assistance to their nationals, and regularly provides consultation and legal opinions to these foreign missions in the UAE on family matters involving their nationals in the UAE. He has also been listed previously in the Lawyer’s List of the British Embassy in Dubai and the Australian Embassy and the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Client Testimonials
Dr. Hassan has had numerous clients who have come back to testify on the results of the cases that were advised by him, and praised his dedication and expertise in the legal field. One client, Ms. Salam Amir, highlighted Dr. Hassan’s comprehensive knowledge of law and dedication to staying abreast of its latest developments, together with his commitment to honesty as what impressed her the most. She also touched upon the transparency employed by him in his work, and how he makes his clients active participants in their legal journey, thus demystifying the legal complexities for them. She vowed that Dr. Hassan Elhais is the best lawyer she has worked with.
Another patron, Mr. Hossam ElDeeb who is an international law professor and a famous lawyer in Egypt, expressed how he was extremely impressed by Dr. Hassan’s unwavering dedication to his clients, outstanding client service, and belief in the fundamental principles of justice. His integrity and professionalism are often praised by his clients, who hail from different parts of the world. Dr. Hassan’s foresight and meticulous case preparation, anticipating courtroom dynamics and opposition strategies, not only secure victories but also garner the respect of clients and peers alike.
Clients have also praised Dr. Hassan’s promptness and responsiveness that contribute to his impeccable professionalism. His creative legal advice, due to his analytical and strategic thinking is what sets him apart. The clients applaud his successes and claim that he is the best family law expert in the UAE.
Contact Information:
Dr Hassan Elhais – Legal Consultant
Email: hassan@professionallawyer.me
Phone: +971 4 355 8000
Whatsapp: +971 50 3685006
Website: www.professionallawyer.me
