������Ƶ

A Custody Agreement outlines the legal arrangements between parents or guardians for caring for their children after separation or divorce in the UAE. It covers essential decisions about where children will live, visitation schedules, and how parents will share responsibilities for education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

Under UAE Personal Status Law, these agreements must prioritize the child's best interests and align with Islamic Shariah principles. The document typically includes specific terms about holidays, travel permissions, communication methods between parents, and financial obligations. Courts in Dubai and other emirates generally require such agreements before finalizing divorce proceedings.

Parents need a Custody Agreement during divorce proceedings or when separating in the UAE. The ideal time to create this agreement is early in the separation process, before conflicts escalate and emotions run high. It's particularly crucial when children attend school, require medical decisions, or when either parent plans to relocate.

UAE courts require these agreements before finalizing divorces, especially when one parent is non-Muslim or plans international travel with the children. Getting it done early helps establish clear boundaries, prevents future disputes, and ensures compliance with UAE Personal Status Law. Many families create these agreements during marriage mediation to maintain stability for their children.

• Shared Custody Agreement: Parents divide physical custody equally, with detailed schedules for time-sharing and joint decision-making rights
• Temporary Custody Agreement: Short-term arrangement during separation or divorce proceedings, valid until final custody terms are established
• Co Parenting Agreement: Focuses on daily parenting duties, communication protocols, and shared responsibilities under UAE law
• Parenting Agreement: Comprehensive plan covering education, healthcare, and religious upbringing decisions
• Parental Plan Agreement: Detailed framework for special occasions, holidays, and cross-border travel arrangements

• Parents/Legal Guardians: Primary parties who negotiate and sign the Custody Agreement, outlining their rights and responsibilities for child care
• Family Law Attorneys: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with UAE Personal Status Law and Shariah principles
• UAE Courts: Validate and enforce custody arrangements, particularly through the Personal Status Court in each emirate
• Child Protection Services: Monitor compliance and intervene when agreements affect child welfare
• School Administrators: Follow custody arrangements for student pickup, academic decisions, and parent communications
• Healthcare Providers: Reference agreements for medical decision-making authority and treatment consent

• Personal Details: Gather full legal names, Emirates ID numbers, and contact information for both parents
• Child Information: Compile birth certificates, school records, medical history, and passport details
• Living Arrangements: Map out residential schedules, including school days, weekends, and holidays
• Financial Documentation: Prepare child support calculations, education costs, and healthcare expenses
• Religious Considerations: Document agreements on religious education and cultural practices under UAE law
• Travel Provisions: Plan international travel arrangements and passport control procedures
• Communication Plan: Establish methods and frequency of parent-to-parent updates

• Parent Identification: Complete legal names, Emirates ID numbers, and current addresses of both parties
• Child Details: Full names, birth dates, and identification numbers of all children covered
• Physical Custody Terms: Primary residence designation and detailed visitation schedule
• Decision Authority: Clear allocation of educational, medical, and religious decision-making rights
• Financial Obligations: Specific breakdown of child support, education, and healthcare costs
• Travel Provisions: Rules for international travel and passport control procedures
• Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving disagreements under UAE Personal Status Law
• Modification Terms: Conditions and procedures for agreement amendments

A Custody Agreement differs significantly from an Accountability Agreement in several key aspects, though both deal with responsibilities and obligations under UAE law. While a Custody Agreement focuses specifically on child-related matters after divorce or separation, an Accountability Agreement outlines broader responsibilities and performance expectations between parties.

• Legal Scope: Custody Agreements are governed by UAE Personal Status Law and Shariah principles, while Accountability Agreements fall under civil and commercial law
• Primary Purpose: Custody Agreements protect children's interests and establish parental rights; Accountability Agreements define professional or business obligations
• Duration: Custody Agreements typically remain active until children reach adulthood; Accountability Agreements often have specific term limits
• Enforcement: Custody Agreements are enforced through family courts; Accountability Agreements through civil courts or arbitration
• Modification Process: Custody Agreements require court approval for changes; Accountability Agreements can often be modified by mutual consent