The Family Guidance Department was founded on October 10, 1998, with the goal of resolving family conflicts amicably and facilitating family reunions by assisting both parties in reaching a legally binding family agreement that benefits each of them without resorting to court action. It also seeks to resolve their conflicts through mutual agreement and a declaration of family obligations. The requests are referred to the court of jurisdiction at the request of both parties or one of them if a resolution cannot be reached between them.

Services of the Family Guidance Department

Marital and Family Dispute Resolution
Your family deserves an opportunity for dialogue before differences escalate into a lawsuit.
Family mutual understanding, marital obedience, housing, and maintenance

Safe Divorce
Where the continuation of marital life becomes untenable, our
focus shifts to mitigating conflict and safeguarding the children.
Divorce, consequential legal rights, and Khul' (divorce by mutual consent/redemption).

Family Counselling
We listen, we guide, and we bridge perspectives.
A dedicated space for dialogue and specialised professional support to help you overcome disputes and reach amicable solutions through consultations provided in accordance with the Personal Status Law.

Family Guidance Procedures

1. Submission of Application: Initiate the process by submitting the application through the electronic services portal on the official website of the Judicial Department.
2. Scheduling the Session: A session date is scheduled for both parties to the dispute via the Webex virtual conferencing system. The session link is transmitted to both parties via email at the scheduled time. In the event of any scheduling amendments, the designated staff shall liaise and coordinate with the parties.
3. Family Guidance Sessions: Both parties shall attend the family guidance sessions, wherein the Family Guidance Officer discusses the areas of dispute, clarifies family rights and obligations, and proposes solutions and recommendations to assist the parties in reaching an amicable settlement.
4. Subsequent Action : Execution of a formally documented and approved settlement agreement, or the referral of the applications to the competent court should an amicable reconciliation between the parties prove unattainable.

(Al Solh Khair) reconciliation is good Programme

1. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department introduced the concept of the Family Programme for Divorce in 2020, making it the first of its kind in the GCC. In order to create a new imprint on the family world that keeps up with the advancements and changes that take place in families today, it takes care of the family, which is the first building block of an interdependent society. As a result, it changes family guidance processes so that both parties to the conflict are able to resolve family conflicts in novel ways. click here

The Post-Divorce Charter (The Pact)

The Charter document aims to regulate the co-parenting relationship when a dispute arises between parents, thereby mitigating hostility, fostering educational and upbringing cooperation, and safeguarding the best interests of the children as the primary consideration in all decisions affecting them.

This document constitutes a clear commitment founded upon mutual understanding and respect, ensuring that the post-separation phase remains stable.

1. First: This document has been formulated primarily for your benefit and, above all, for the sake of your children. It aims to protect the family, ensure its stability, and guarantee the continuity of your respective roles as father and mother following separation.
2. Second: Divorce terminates the marital bond, but it does not dissolve the parental bond. It does not diminish the children’s need for joint care, safe communication, and a stable environment in which they feel secure and valued.
3. Third: This document represents an explicit commitment built on mutual understanding and respect, aimed at insulating the children from any conflict and shielding them from the repercussions of disputes.
4. Fourth: The Charter is an agreement that prioritises the best interests of the children above all considerations, preserves the dignity of both parties, and ensures that the post-separation phase is more stable and transparent.

Your adherence to this Charter is an extension of your moral and legal responsibilities. It sends a clear message to your children that your love for them remains steadfast and unchanged, and that they will continue to be surrounded by joint care, structured communication, and a safe environment, regardless of the distance between you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can the "Post-Separation Charter" be agreed upon?

The Family Guidance Officer presents the document to the parents post-separation to discuss its clauses and agree upon them in whole or in part, in accordance with approved procedures, binding them to comply with the agreed terms.

2. What is the Post-Separation Charter?

It is an official document designed to regulate the relationship between parents following separation in order to protect children from the impact of disputes. It ensures their stability within a safe environment that fosters security and belonging, reinforcing that the dissolution of marriage does not terminate the parental bond.

3. How can the terms of the Post-Separation Charter be mutually adopted?

The Family Guidance Officer presents the document to both parents following the breakdown of the marriage for their total or partial agreement, whereupon they commit to executing the clauses consented to.

4. What are the parental responsibilities under the Post-Separation Charter?

Joint cooperation in moral and religious upbringing, education, healthcare, and behavioural and educational guidance, as well as consultation on core decisions affecting the children, including those relating to schooling, medical treatment, and travel.

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