Dubai: Families on the verge of break up can seek support from the Family Guidance and Reconciliation Section at the Sharia courts. The centres are open to all nationalities.
There are seven such centres spread around the Emirates as each emirate has its own Sharia court and reconciliation section.
However, expatriates must have a valid residence visa in order to approach the court for family dispute cases.
It is mentioned in the Quran that if a wife suffers cruelty or her husband deserts her, she can get a settlement, and such a settlement is best solution for the woman.
The Family Guidance and Reconciliation sections had become part of the Sharia courts in the country to resolve disputes amicably and protect families by offering counsel, guidance and advice.
The Sharia courts in the country will not accept any case related to family dispute unless it has first passed through the family reconciliation section at the court.
The Family Guidance and Reconciliation Section will offer services for women suffering from domestic violence or any other violations, and protect their rights.
It interacts with families in predicaments such as problems of inheritance, child custody, divorce cases, children being abused by parents, proving paternity, alimony, child allowance and all other related issues.
If anyone has family problems, the person can approach the section in the court at the emirate they reside. The person will be helped by staff who are trained to spot and treat problems in families. Such sections have been given extreme care by the authorities due to its important role of protecting the family unity.
Women seeking legal solutions to their problems with their families can have their cases handled by experts and will receive advise from knowledgeable legal representatives.
The family reconciliation sections have proved to be successful in helping reduce divorce rates and avoiding its negative impacts on family members.
It has helped in reconciling family members at war with each other in many cases.
Also, a husband who is violent to his wife or any other member of the family will get social counseling and treatment at these sections.
Each section is headed by a chief officer who has several experts working under him.
