If you are facing a divorce, a custody disagreement or an inheritance question in Oman, the right family lawyer can help you move forward calmly. Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants acts as a family lawyer in Oman, based in Muscat and advising Omani and expatriate individuals and families across the Sultanate, with over 20 years of experience and in strict confidence.
Personal status law in Oman
Family matters in Oman are governed by the Personal Status Law, which is based on Islamic Sharia and covers marriage, divorce, khula, maintenance, custody, wills and inheritance. Disputes are heard by the personal status circuits of the courts, and an attempt at reconciliation is usually made before a case is decided. Proceedings are conducted in Arabic. For expatriates the position can differ: depending on your religion, your nationality and where the marriage took place, other rules may apply to some questions, so confirm which law governs your situation before you act.
When do you need a family lawyer in Oman?
- You are considering divorce, or your spouse has started proceedings.
- A wife wishes to end the marriage through khula or a divorce granted by the court.
- You need to claim, or are being asked to pay, maintenance for a spouse or children, or an existing award should be reviewed.
- You and the other parent disagree on custody or visitation, including where one of you plans to leave Oman.
- A family member has died leaving assets in Oman, and the heirs must be identified and the estate divided.
- A child needs a guardian, or someone must be authorised to manage a minor's property.
- A marriage or divorce was never formally registered and now has to be proved.
- A maintenance, custody or visitation judgment is not being complied with.
How we help
- Initial legal advice on marriage, divorce and the rights that follow.
- Acting as your divorce lawyer in Muscat: preparing and pursuing divorce, judicial divorce and khula cases before the personal status courts.
- Acting as your custody lawyer in Oman: custody and visitation cases focused on the children's welfare, and maintenance claims for a spouse or children, including requests to increase or reduce an award.
- Inheritance and estates: identifying the heirs, dividing the estate and resolving disputes between heirs, amicably or in court.
- Guardianship applications for minors and the management of their property.
- Proving a marriage or a divorce, and assisting with the formalities of registering a marriage.
- Amicable solutions through our mediation, settlement and reconciliation service, including drafting settlement agreements on maintenance, custody and visitation.
- Following up on the enforcement of judgments for maintenance, custody and visitation.
- Appeals to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court where the law allows.
How we work with you
- First contact: message us on WhatsApp or call, and we arrange a meeting at the office or remotely.
- Understanding your situation: we listen, review your documents and explain your options in plain English.
- Settlement first where possible: where it is realistic and appropriate, we seek an agreement that protects both parties and the children.
- Court representation: if no agreement is possible, we prepare the case and represent you at every hearing.
- Through to enforcement: we keep you informed and follow the judgment or agreement through to implementation.
Documents to prepare
- Passport and Omani resident card or ID card.
- Marriage certificate and, if applicable, divorce certificate. Documents issued outside Oman usually need attestation and an Arabic translation.
- Children's birth certificates.
- Evidence of income and expenses in maintenance cases.
- Death certificate, heirs' documents and title documents for assets in inheritance cases.
- Any earlier judgments, agreements and relevant correspondence.
Frequently asked questions
Does Omani personal status law apply to expatriates?
It depends. Many family matters involving residents are handled under Omani personal status law, but the rules for non-Muslims and foreign nationals can differ on certain questions. We confirm which rules govern your case first.
How does divorce work in Oman?
It depends on the type of divorce. A divorce by the husband must be formally registered, while a wife may ask the court for a divorce on grounds set by law or seek khula. Contested cases are filed with the competent personal status circuit, and reconciliation is usually attempted first.
How is child custody decided in Oman?
The law sets out who is entitled to custody and on what conditions, and the court's guiding principle is the child's best interests. The other parent is normally entitled to visitation, which parents can often agree between themselves.
How is maintenance assessed?
The court decides each case on its facts, weighing the payer's means against the needs of the spouse or children. An award can be reviewed later if circumstances change.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Yes. We handle family matters with complete discretion and share information only as far as the proceedings require.
To talk through your situation in confidence, message us on WhatsApp or call +968 9200 0841. Or visit our office in Al Khuwair, Muscat: Al Nahda Tower, First Floor, Office No. 116.