Can Power of Attorney Dubai be used in family and child custody matters?

 Yes, Power of Attorney Dubai can be used in certain family and child custody matters, but its scope depends on the type of authority granted and the specific legal situation. While a Power of Attorney (POA) does not replace court decisions in custody disputes, it can be a very practical legal tool in managing related responsibilities—especially when one parent is unavailable due to travel, work commitments, or residency outside the UAE.

In Dubai, a Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes one person (the agent) to act on behalf of another (the principal). In family-related matters, this authority can cover administrative, financial, or procedural responsibilities. However, it’s important to understand that custody rights themselves are determined by court order under UAE Personal Status Law and cannot simply be transferred through a POA.

That said, Power of Attorney Dubai can be extremely helpful in supporting parents who need assistance handling child-related matters. For example, if a custodial parent is temporarily outside the country, they may grant a POA to a trusted family member to manage school admissions, sign academic documents, attend parent-teacher meetings, or handle medical appointments for the child. This ensures continuity in the child’s daily life without legal disruption.

Similarly, if a parent is involved in ongoing custody litigation but cannot attend every procedural step personally, they may issue a POA authorizing a legal representative to act on their behalf. This is particularly common in expatriate families where one parent resides abroad. The appointed representative can file applications, attend hearings, and submit documentation according to court requirements.

Medical decision-making is another area where Power of Attorney Dubai may be useful. If a child requires medical treatment and the legal guardian is unavailable, a properly drafted POA can authorize another adult to make necessary healthcare decisions. However, certain hospitals or authorities may still require guardian consent depending on the circumstances.

Travel matters are often a point of confusion. A POA may allow an authorized person to accompany a child on travel or manage travel documentation, but it does not override court-imposed travel restrictions or guardianship rights. If a court order requires guardian approval for international travel, that legal requirement must still be respected.

It is also essential that the POA be properly notarized and drafted in compliance with UAE legal standards. In most cases, it must be notarized before a recognized authority in Dubai. If issued abroad, it may need attestation and legal translation into Arabic before being accepted by local authorities.

Parents should carefully define the scope of authority granted in the document. A general POA provides broad powers, while a special POA limits authority to specific tasks such as school registration or court representation. Clear drafting prevents misunderstandings and reduces the risk of misuse.

In conclusion, while Power of Attorney Dubai cannot replace judicial custody decisions, it serves as a valuable legal instrument for managing practical aspects of family life. When properly prepared and used within legal boundaries, it provides flexibility and continuity, particularly in situations involving travel, litigation, or temporary absence.