Abu Dhabi Launches New Post-Separation Charter to Prioritize Children's Welfare

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a major strategy to ensure parents put the well-being of their children first after divorce. A new charter has been established to regulate relationships between parents during personal conflict, promote children's psychological and social stability, and champion their best interests.

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 capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The charter will be presented to each parent following their separation by a family guidance counsellor for them to sign in full or in part to commit to adhering to its provisions.

"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 will establish a framework to foster a safe and stable family environment and ensure that the father and mother continue to play an active role in their upbringing, regardless of their personal relationship and circumstances. It is based on the principle that the dissolution of marriage does not end parenthood, nor does it diminish a child's need for care, safe contact and a stable and secure environment. The document represents an agreement based on mutual understanding and respect, which strives to shield children from parental conflict and its impact, state news agency Wam reported.

Under the charter, parents will be obligated to co-operate in their children's moral and religious upbringing, education, healthcare, and behavioural and educational guidance. The custodial parent is required to keep the other parent informed of academic reports, health status and school activities, while both parties must co-operate and consult on major decisions, including education, medical treatment and travel.

The document sets out the parents’ obligations towards children in their custody, including each parent faithfully fulfilling their parental role, providing healthcare and education, safeguarding the child’s physical and psychological wellbeing, instilling values and virtues, and raising children in accordance with Emirati customs and traditions to deepen their sense of belonging and responsibility. It also ensures the other parent’s right to visitation and communication and requires them to be notified of any significant matter concerning the child.

The charter also sets out the parents’ obligations towards each other, including refraining from disparaging the other parent in front of the children, maintaining respect for and obedience to both parents, and avoiding discussion of the reasons for the dispute or divorce in the children’s presence. It prohibits using the children’s legal rights, including visitation and maintenance, as a means of pressure, bargaining or harm.

The charter has been drawn up based on rules established under the Federal Personal Status Law, which governs custody, maintenance, visitation and educational guardianship. It provides a framework for parents to agree on the details of visitation, overnight stays, travel by children in custody, and agreed financial obligations. The document requires the parties to attempt to settle any disagreement amicably, and if an agreement cannot be reached, the dispute will be referred to the Family Guidance Centre to facilitate reconciliation before the matter is referred to court.