Resolution by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Prioritizes Child Welfare
In a significant move to prioritize the well-being of children amidst familial disputes, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has enacted Resolution No. 43 of 2026. This resolution, in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, introduces the Post-Separation Charter, part of the Year of Family initiative.
Fostering Stability and Security for Children
The Post-Separation Charter is designed to ensure that children remain at the forefront of consideration during parental disputes. The document emphasizes the necessity for psychological and social stability, ensuring a nurturing environment where children can thrive despite the dissolution of marriage.
Central to the charter is the affirmation that the end of a marital relationship does not equate to the cessation of parental responsibilities. It underscores the importance of both parents maintaining active roles in their children’s lives, providing shared care and creating a secure environment.
Commitment to Mutual Respect and Understanding
The charter serves as a testament to mutual respect and understanding between parents, aiming to shield children from the adverse effects of parental conflict. It stresses the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the children above all else, while maintaining the dignity and moral obligations of both parents.
Parents are encouraged to continue cooperating in areas crucial to their children’s development, including moral and religious upbringing, healthcare, education, and behavioral guidance. The custodial parent is responsible for keeping the other parent informed of important developments in the child’s life, fostering a collaborative approach to parenting.
Detailed Parental Obligations Outlined
The charter meticulously outlines the duties of parents towards their children. These include ensuring healthcare and educational needs are met, safeguarding physical and psychological well-being, and instilling values that align with Emirati customs and traditions.
Moreover, it guarantees the non-custodial parent’s rights to visitation and communication, mandating notification of significant matters regarding the child. The charter prohibits using children’s legal rights as leverage in disputes, promoting an environment of respect and cooperation.
Governance by Federal Law and Dispute Resolution
The principles of the charter are grounded in the Federal Personal Status Law, which governs aspects such as custody, maintenance, visitation, and educational guardianship. It provides a structured framework for parents to agree on visitation schedules, financial obligations, and travel arrangements for children.
For disputes arising from the charter’s implementation, the document proposes that disagreements be resolved amicably where possible. Should this fail, the Family Guidance Centre steps in to mediate and facilitate reconciliation efforts before any court intervention is sought.
Implementation and Compliance
Following separation, the Family Guidance Counsellor presents the charter to the parents, who are encouraged to sign and adhere to its terms, ensuring its provisions are faithfully implemented.
This strategic initiative by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscores a commitment to protecting the interests of children and preserving the integrity of family structures, despite the challenges posed by separation and divorce.
