The Ras Al Khaimah Court of First Instance has awarded custody of a 17-year-old boy to his father, following the son’s preference to live with him. The court also terminated the mother’s right to alimony. However, the father’s request to remove the mother’s custody of their 12-year-old son was denied, as reported by Gulf Today.
The father, represented by lawyer Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, initiated the custody case after their divorce, arguing that the children’s grandmother, who lives with him, is capable of caring for them. Al Zaabi noted that under the Personal Status Law, children aged 15 and older have the right to choose which parent they wish to live with, unless it is deemed contrary to their best interests.
During the court proceedings, the 17-year-old son expressed his desire to reside with his father, citing the latter’s unmarried status as a factor in his decision.
The mother’s legal team contested the case, arguing that a previous court ruling had already granted her custody of the children. They claimed that the father had previously waived his rights to challenge this custody arrangement.
Additionally, the mother presented medical documentation indicating that the father had undergone brain surgeries and required care, suggesting that he did not meet the necessary conditions for custody.
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