Nafaqa is the legal obligation to maintain, and it is wider than most people expect. It can arise during a subsisting marriage, not only after separation, and it covers accommodation, food, clothing, medical care and the reasonable costs of daily life.
Dubai Legal Expert advises on nafaqa claims across the UAE, covering maintenance during marriage, maintenance during the waiting period after divorce, the marital home, and the enforcement of unpaid amounts.
A wife may claim maintenance while the marriage subsists where the husband has stopped providing, and this is a claim many people are unaware of until they take advice. After divorce, maintenance during the waiting period is a distinct entitlement with its own basis and duration.
The marital home is frequently the most pressing issue. Where accommodation is provided by the husband or held in his name, the position of the wife and children on separation needs to be addressed quickly, and interim applications can be made.
Claims where a husband has stopped providing for his wife while the marriage continues.
Maintenance for the waiting period following divorce, calculated and claimed on its proper basis.
Claims and interim applications concerning the family home and accommodation costs after separation.
Preparing or responding to maintenance claims, including evidence of income and reasonable needs.
Recovery of unpaid maintenance through the execution court, including salary attachment and travel measures.
The housing position is addressed as a priority, because it is usually the most urgent practical issue on separation.
Salary certificates, bank statements and lifestyle evidence assembled to establish genuine financial capacity.
Applications for urgent maintenance where a spouse and children have been left without support.
Claims built on documented living costs rather than round figures, which produces more realistic awards.
Representation for husbands facing claims that overstate needs or misrepresent income and circumstances.
Salary attachment, garnishment and travel restrictions where an order is made but not honoured.
Many people do not realise that maintenance can be claimed while the marriage is still subsisting, or that maintenance during the waiting period after divorce is a separate entitlement from any other award. Claims are frequently made late, or not at all.
Equally, claims sometimes fail because they are presented without evidence of the household costs or the paying spouse income. We work on both elements together, because a claim that establishes need without establishing capacity, or the reverse, will be assessed conservatively.
Establish the entitlement, evidence both need and capacity, then secure payment.
We identify which maintenance entitlements arise in your circumstances and over what period.
Household and living costs are documented from tenancy contracts, bills, invoices and receipts.
Evidence of the paying spouse salary, allowances and financial position is compiled as far as available.
Where support has stopped entirely, urgent interim maintenance is applied for without waiting for the full case.
The claim is filed and argued with the full documentary schedule supporting each element.
The award is enforced through the execution court where payment is not made voluntarily.
Nafaqa is the legal obligation to maintain, covering accommodation, food, clothing, medical care and the reasonable costs of daily living for a spouse and children.
Yes. A wife may claim maintenance during a subsisting marriage where the husband has stopped providing for her, and this is a distinct claim from any divorce proceedings.
It is maintenance for the waiting period following divorce, which is a separate entitlement with its own basis and duration under the personal status framework.
The court assesses reasonable needs against the financial capacity of the paying spouse, working from documented living costs and evidence of income.
The accommodation position is addressed as part of the maintenance claim, and interim applications can be made where housing is urgently at risk.
Unpaid amounts are recovered through the execution court, which can attach salary, garnish accounts and impose travel restrictions.
If support has stopped or a claim has been made against you, take advice early. The first consultation is free and confidential.
Dubai Legal Experts provides trusted legal advocacy across the UAE with experienced lawyers and clear legal guidance.
