What documents and divorce papers do I need to file in the UAE?

To file for divorce in the UAE you generally need your original marriage certificate, the passports and Emirates IDs of both spouses, and details about any children. If your marriage certificate or other documents are in a foreign language, the court usually requires a legal (certified) Arabic translation, and documents issued abroad may need attestation depending on the court's requirements. Where custody, maintenance or property are in dispute, supporting paperwork such as proof of income, residence and any existing agreements can also be relevant. The case is registered at the personal status court in your emirate and first goes through the Family Guidance / reconciliation stage. Non-Muslim residents using the civil personal status track may have a streamlined document set. Exact document lists, attestation rules and any fees are set by each court and can change, so confirm the current checklist with the relevant court (for example Dubai Courts) before filing. A verified UAE legal professional listed on LEXAI can review your documents and confirm what your specific court expects.