{"id":23836,"date":"2026-05-11T04:13:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T04:13:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=23836"},"modified":"2026-05-11T04:19:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T04:19:20","slug":"dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Dubai Court Says Disability Does Not End Child Maintenance Duty Under UAE Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"background-of-the-case\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background_Of_The_Case\"><\/span>Background Of The Case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The dispute arose between a divorced couple involved in ongoing child maintenance proceedings before the Dubai Courts. The father approached the court seeking either complete cancellation of the maintenance previously awarded or, alternatively, a substantial reduction in the amount payable to the children. He also sought recovery of legal costs and advocate\u2019s fees from the mother.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Background_Of_The_Case\" >Background Of The Case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Proceedings_Before_The_Court_Of_First_Instance\" >Proceedings Before The Court Of First Instance<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Decision_Of_The_Court_Of_First_Instance\" >Decision Of The Court Of First Instance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Appeal_Before_The_Court_Of_Appeal\" >Appeal Before The Court Of Appeal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Findings_Against_The_Father_By_The_Appellate_Court\" >Findings Against The Father By The Appellate Court<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Findings_Of_The_Court_Of_Cassation\" >Findings Of The Court Of Cassation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Issue_Of_Legal_Standing\" >Issue Of Legal Standing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Disability_Is_Not_Equal_To_Financial_Incapacity\" >Disability Is Not Equal To Financial Incapacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Final_Ruling_Of_The_Court_Of_Cassation\" >Final Ruling Of The Court Of Cassation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Latest_Legal_Position_And_Emerging_Trends_In_UAE_Family_Law\" >Latest Legal Position And Emerging Trends In UAE Family Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Important_Legal_Principles_Emerging_From_The_Judgment\" >Important Legal Principles Emerging From The Judgment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#1_Does_Disability_Automatically_Cancel_A_Parents_Obligation_To_Pay_Child_Maintenance\" >1. Does Disability Automatically Cancel A Parent\u2019s Obligation To Pay Child Maintenance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#2_What_Factors_Undermined_The_Fathers_Claim_Of_Financial_Hardship\" >2. What Factors Undermined The Father\u2019s Claim Of Financial Hardship?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#3_Was_The_Adult_Daughter_Covered_In_The_Maintenance_Proceedings\" >3. Was The Adult Daughter Covered In The Maintenance Proceedings?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#4_Can_Maintenance_Orders_Be_Modified\" >4. Can Maintenance Orders Be Modified?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#5_What_Factors_Do_Courts_Consider_While_Fixing_Child_Maintenance\" >5. What Factors Do Courts Consider While Fixing Child Maintenance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#6_What_If_The_Father_Had_No_Assets_Or_Financial_Means\" >6. What If The Father Had No Assets Or Financial Means?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/dubai-court-disability-child-maintenance-uae-law\/#7_What_Legal_Principle_Did_The_Court_Reiterate\" >7. What Legal Principle Did The Court Reiterate?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>The father argued that he was suffering from a serious and permanent medical condition that allegedly left him physically immobile and incapable of earning an income. According to him, his deteriorating health and lack of employment made it impossible to continue complying with the maintenance order passed in 2022. He further contended that the mother was financially secure, earning nearly AED 23,000 per month, and therefore capable of independently supporting the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mother opposed the plea and maintained that the father continued to possess substantial financial resources and business interests despite his claims of poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"proceedings-before-the-court-of-first-instance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proceedings_Before_The_Court_Of_First_Instance\"><\/span>Proceedings Before The Court Of First Instance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court of First Instance closely examined two important issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether the mother had the legal authority to represent both children in the maintenance proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the father had genuinely become financially incapable of supporting the minor child.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During the proceedings, the court noted that the elder daughter had already attained the age of 18 years by the time the matter reached trial. Under UAE Personal Status Law, once a child reaches the age of majority, the custodial parent generally loses the legal standing to litigate on that child\u2019s behalf in maintenance matters. As a result, any claim concerning the adult daughter could only be pursued directly by her in her own name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With respect to the younger son, the court held that the father had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify cancellation or reduction of maintenance. Although the father relied heavily upon his medical condition, the court found that disability alone did not automatically extinguish a parent\u2019s financial obligations toward a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"decision-of-the-court-of-first-instance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decision_Of_The_Court_Of_First_Instance\"><\/span>Decision Of The Court Of First Instance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Accordingly, in September 2025, the Court of First Instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dismissed the claims relating to the adult daughter on the ground of lack of legal standing against the mother.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rejected the plea for reduction of maintenance payable to the minor son.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appeal-before-the-court-of-appeal\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appeal_Before_The_Court_Of_Appeal\"><\/span>Appeal Before The Court Of Appeal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unhappy with the ruling, the father challenged the judgment before the Court of Appeal. He asserted that the lower court had ignored crucial medical documents and evidence demonstrating his inability to work. He also relied upon his participation in volunteer and community activities to support his claim that he had no regular income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the appellate court undertook a broader scrutiny of the father\u2019s financial affairs and examined earlier judicial proceedings between the same parties. The court discovered that similar claims of unemployment and financial hardship had been raised repeatedly in previous litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"findings-against-the-father-by-the-appellate-court\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Findings_Against_The_Father_By_The_Appellate_Court\"><\/span>Findings Against The Father By The Appellate Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier records revealed that the father:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Owned immovable properties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintained a separate private residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continued to possess ownership interests in a company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most significant developments during the appeal arose from the report prepared by the Family Guidance Department. An official from the department contacted a telephone number linked to the father, and the individual answering the call identified himself as an employee of the father\u2019s company. This finding directly contradicted the father\u2019s assertion that he had no business activity or income whatsoever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court of Appeal ultimately upheld the original decision, holding that there had been no genuine or substantial change in circumstances sufficient to justify modification of the maintenance order. The court concluded that the father\u2019s claims of complete financial incapacity lacked credibility in light of his continued ownership of assets and business interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"findings-of-the-court-of-cassation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Findings_Of_The_Court_Of_Cassation\"><\/span>Findings Of The Court Of Cassation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The matter was then carried to the Dubai Court of Cassation, where the father once again challenged the findings of the lower courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-of-legal-standing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_Of_Legal_Standing\"><\/span>Issue Of Legal Standing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court of Cassation affirmed that questions relating to the legal capacity of parties are matters of public order and must be examined by courts even if not specifically raised by litigants. Since the daughter had already attained majority, the mother could no longer legally represent her in maintenance litigation. Therefore, any proceedings concerning the daughter had to be initiated directly by the daughter herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"disability-is-not-equal-to-financial-incapacity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disability_Is_Not_Equal_To_Financial_Incapacity\"><\/span>Disability Is Not Equal To Financial Incapacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important legal principle emerging from the judgment was the court\u2019s clear distinction between physical disability and financial inability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court of Cassation reiterated that under Article 106(1) of the UAE Personal Status Law, a father remains responsible for maintaining his children until the daughter marries or the son becomes capable of earning independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The court found serious inconsistencies in the father\u2019s arguments. On one hand, he claimed to be entirely immobile and financially destitute; on the other hand, evidence demonstrated that he continued managing financial affairs involving multiple dependants and business interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The court emphasised that ownership of assets such as real estate, companies and investment holdings constitutes a continuing source of financial capability regardless of the owner\u2019s physical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The court further observed that while Article 97 permits modification of maintenance orders upon proof of a material change in circumstances, such change must be real, substantial and supported by convincing evidence. In the present case, the father\u2019s illness did not eliminate his ownership of income-generating assets. Therefore, the legal threshold for reducing maintenance was not satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Significantly, the court also remarked that the existing maintenance amount of AED 2,000 per month was itself modest considering the cost of raising a child in Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-ruling-of-the-court-of-cassation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Ruling_Of_The_Court_Of_Cassation\"><\/span>Final Ruling Of The Court Of Cassation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court of Cassation accordingly dismissed the appeal in its entirety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"latest-legal-position-and-emerging-trends-in-uae-family-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Latest_Legal_Position_And_Emerging_Trends_In_UAE_Family_Law\"><\/span>Latest Legal Position And Emerging Trends In UAE Family Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This judgment reflects a broader and increasingly consistent trend within UAE family law jurisprudence. Recent decisions from Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts indicate that judges are now placing greater emphasis on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Actual financial capacity rather than declared income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hidden or passive income sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asset ownership and beneficial interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate holdings and business control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overall lifestyle indicators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Courts are increasingly unwilling to accept bare claims of unemployment or medical hardship where evidence suggests continued financial capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision also reinforces the UAE judiciary\u2019s strong child-centric approach in maintenance disputes. Courts are prioritising the welfare and stability of children and ensuring that parental obligations are not easily avoided through technical or strategic pleas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another important procedural lesson emerging from recent UAE judgments is the strict approach toward legal standing once children attain majority. Adult children must independently pursue their own maintenance or financial claims, and custodial parents cannot automatically continue litigating on their behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"important-legal-principles-emerging-from-the-judgment\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Legal_Principles_Emerging_From_The_Judgment\"><\/span>Important Legal Principles Emerging From The Judgment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Legal Principle<\/th><th>Explanation<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Disability Does Not Automatically End Maintenance Obligations<\/td><td>A parent\u2019s physical disability alone is insufficient to cancel maintenance if assets, investments or businesses continue generating income or financial benefit.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Courts Examine Real Financial Capacity<\/td><td>The UAE courts may investigate lifestyle, property ownership, business operations and previous judicial records to determine whether a party is genuinely incapable of paying maintenance.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Adult Children Must Litigate Independently<\/td><td>Once a child attains legal majority, maintenance proceedings relating to that child must ordinarily be initiated personally by the adult child.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maintenance Orders Can Be Modified<\/td><td>A maintenance order may be varied only where there is convincing evidence of a substantial and genuine change in circumstances.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Child Welfare Remains Paramount<\/td><td>The courts continue to treat child maintenance as a continuing and fundamental parental obligation aimed at protecting the welfare, education and standard of living of the child.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Dubai Court of Cassation\u2019s ruling sends a strong message that maintenance obligations cannot be avoided merely by citing illness or unemployment where substantial assets and business interests still exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The judgment carefully balances compassion for personal hardship with the overriding legal and moral responsibility of parents toward their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision also demonstrates the UAE judiciary\u2019s evolving approach toward financial transparency in family disputes. Courts are increasingly prepared to look beyond formal declarations and examine the actual economic reality of litigants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, the ruling reinforces a central principle of family law: so long as financial resources remain available in any form, the duty to support one\u2019s children continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"does-disability-automatically-cancel-child-maintenance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Does_Disability_Automatically_Cancel_A_Parents_Obligation_To_Pay_Child_Maintenance\"><\/span>1. Does Disability Automatically Cancel A Parent\u2019s Obligation To Pay Child Maintenance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Disability does not automatically cancel a parent\u2019s obligation to pay maintenance. The court looks at whether there are other means such as assets, benefits or support from others. The obligation to provide maintenance for the child remains in place even when a parent is disabled unless there is no means to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-undermined-the-fathers-claim-of-financial-hardship\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_What_Factors_Undermined_The_Fathers_Claim_Of_Financial_Hardship\"><\/span>2. What Factors Undermined The Father\u2019s Claim Of Financial Hardship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The evidence revealed that the father owned valuable assets, possessed business interests and continued supporting other dependants. These contradictions weakened his plea of financial incapacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"was-the-adult-daughter-covered-in-the-maintenance-case\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Was_The_Adult_Daughter_Covered_In_The_Maintenance_Proceedings\"><\/span>3. Was The Adult Daughter Covered In The Maintenance Proceedings?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Since the daughter had attained majority, she was legally required to pursue any maintenance claim independently and could not be represented by the mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-maintenance-orders-be-modified\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Can_Maintenance_Orders_Be_Modified\"><\/span>4. Can Maintenance Orders Be Modified?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. However, courts require clear and convincing evidence of a substantial change in financial, medical or personal circumstances before altering an existing maintenance order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-factors-do-courts-consider-while-fixing-child-maintenance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_Factors_Do_Courts_Consider_While_Fixing_Child_Maintenance\"><\/span>5. What Factors Do Courts Consider While Fixing Child Maintenance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Courts consider the financial circumstances of both parents, the child\u2019s education, health, standard of living and any special needs before determining a reasonable maintenance amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-if-the-father-had-no-assets-or-income\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_What_If_The_Father_Had_No_Assets_Or_Financial_Means\"><\/span>6. What If The Father Had No Assets Or Financial Means?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Had the father proved the genuine absence of assets or financial resources, the court could have reconsidered the maintenance order. However, no such convincing proof was produced in this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-legal-principle-did-the-court-reiterate\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_What_Legal_Principle_Did_The_Court_Reiterate\"><\/span>7. What Legal Principle Did The Court Reiterate?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The court reaffirmed that child maintenance is a continuing and fundamental parental duty which cannot easily be avoided unless genuine inability to pay is conclusively established.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Background Of The Case The dispute arose between a divorced couple involved in ongoing child maintenance proceedings before the Dubai Courts. The father approached the court seeking either complete cancellation of the maintenance previously awarded or, alternatively, a substantial reduction in the amount payable to the children. He also sought recovery of legal costs and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[394],"tags":[3717],"class_list":{"0":"post-23836","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-uae-laws","7":"tag-uae-laws"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23836"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24080,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23836\/revisions\/24080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}