Dubai Personal Status Court Rejects Mother’s Renewed Custody Plea, Ending Years-long Legal Battle

When a Dubai mother filed a fresh case this August, she hoped for what she called a second chance -- a chance to bring her 16-year-old son back home and to secure more financial support after years of separation. But last week, the Dubai Personal Status Court dismissed her renewed lawsuit, ruling that the issue had already been conclusively settled in earlier judgments.

 

The decision, issued on October 22, 2025, closes yet another chapter in a family dispute that has spanned nearly a decade, testing the boundaries of parental rights, emotional bonds, and the finality of court orders.

 

A Long Legal Journey

 

Court records trace the story back to 2016, when the couple divorced and the mother was initially granted custody of both children, along with alimony and housing allowances. Four years later, in 2020, a Dubai court transferred custody to the father after the boys surpassed the legal age limit for maternal custody under UAE law. That ruling was upheld on appeal and later confirmed by the Court of Cassation, making it final and binding.

 

Despite that outcome, the mother returned to court this year, arguing that her younger son -- now 16 -- wished to live with her. She also sought Dh10,000 per month in maintenance, Dh1,000 for study-related internet expenses, full coverage of school fees, a domestic helper, and a vehicle or Dh200,000 in cash for transport.

 

Court Reaffirms Finality of Previous Rulings

 

After examining all the documents and prior rulings, the Personal Status Court found that the mother’s claims -- including those relating to custody and financial support -- were legally inadmissible. The judge ruled that the same parties, cause, and subject matter had already been decided in earlier proceedings, and could not be reopened.

 

The court also noted that the mother had no legal right to represent her elder son, who had turned 18 in June 2025. Under UAE law, individuals who have reached the age of legal majority are entitled to act on their own behalf in personal status matters.

 

No New Grounds For a Fresh Case

 

In its reasoning, the court emphasised that there was no new evidence or change in circumstances that would justify rehearing the matter. The court reaffirmed the legal principle that once a judgment is final, the same dispute cannot be revived simply because one party is dissatisfied with the outcome.

 

During preparatory hearings, the court directed the father to disclose his financial records, including salary slips and bank statements. The documents showed that he owned six vehicles and maintained an active account with a local bank.

 

Case Closed

 

Ultimately, the court dismissed all the mother’s requests -- including those for custody, maintenance, and other financial benefits -- citing the binding nature of prior judgments. She was also ordered to pay court fees and Dh500 in legal costs.

 

For the mother, the ruling marked the end of a long and emotional struggle that began almost a decade ago. For the court, it reaffirmed a fundamental legal principle: that even in deeply personal family disputes, final judgments must be respected.

 

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