Abu Dhabi sets post-divorce rules to keep children out of parental conflict

Separated parents in Abu Dhabi will be asked to agree on how they share care, exchange information and settle disagreements under a new family charter designed to protect children from parental conflict.

The Post-Separation Charter – Year of Family was approved by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in his role as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

The charter was approved under Resolution No. 43 of 2026, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

A family guidance counsellor will present the document to parents following separation. They may sign it fully or partly and agree to follow the provisions they accept.

“Our children are a priority, and their stability is a shared responsibility”, Sheikh Mansour wrote on social media.

“We have issued a Family Charter in the Year of Family to reinforce the continuity of shared care for children, shield them from the effects of disputes and affirm that the role of a parent does not end with the dissolution of marriage but remains a firm moral and legal commitment towards our children and future generations.”

The charter is based on the principle that divorce ends a marriage but not the responsibilities of motherhood and fatherhood.

It seeks to keep both parents involved in raising their children and provide a stable environment with safe communication and continued care.

Parents are required to co-operate in their children’s moral and religious upbringing, education, healthcare and behavioural guidance.

The custodial parent must provide the other parent with school reports, health information and details of school activities.

Both parents must discuss important decisions involving education, medical treatment and travel.

'It reinforces that adherence to the charter is an extension of the parents’ moral and legal responsibilities, reassuring their children that their love remains unchanged and that they will continue to receive shared care in a safe environment' Wam stated.

Each parent must fulfil their role, provide healthcare and education, and protect the child’s physical and psychological well-being.

They must also teach values and raise their children in line with Emirati customs and traditions, with the aim of developing belonging and responsibility.

The charter protects the other parent’s right to communicate with and visit the child. That parent must also be informed of significant matters affecting the child.

Parents must not insult or criticise each other in front of their children.

They are also expected to preserve the children’s respect for both parents and avoid discussing the causes of the dispute or divorce in their presence.

The charter prohibits using a child’s legal rights, including visitation and maintenance, to pressure, bargain with or harm the other parent.

The document draws on the Federal Personal Status Law, which regulates custody, maintenance, visitation and educational guardianship.

It allows parents to agree on visitation arrangements, overnight stays, travel involving children in custody and shared financial obligations. If a disagreement arises, the parents must first try to resolve it amicably.

When they cannot reach an agreement, the matter will go to the Family Guidance Centre for reconciliation efforts before it can proceed to court.