Ajman

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Legal and Judicial Services

Sections

1. Overview of the Legal and Judicial System in Ajman

Ajman’s legal and judicial system is part of the UAE’s federal judiciary, which is based on Islamic Sharia law, civil law, and international law principles. The system is designed to handle civil, criminal, and commercial disputes, as well as family and labor matters. The Ajman Courts are the primary judicial authority in the emirate.

Key institutions include:

  • Ajman Courts: Handles all legal cases, including civil, criminal, family, and labor disputes.
  • Ajman Public Prosecution: Investigates criminal cases and represents the government in legal proceedings.
  • Ajman Police: Plays a key role in law enforcement and the initial stages of criminal investigations.
  • Ajman Municipality and Planning Department: Handles legal matters related to property, land, and municipal regulations.

2. Categories of Legal and Judicial Services

Here are the main categories of legal and judicial services available in Ajman:

A. Civil Cases

Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or entities, such as contract disputes, property issues, or financial claims.

  • Where to file: Civil Court at Ajman Courts.
  • Procedure:
    1. File a case through the court’s online portal or in person.
    2. Submit required documents (e.g., Emirates ID, contracts, evidence).
    3. Pay the court fees (varies based on the claim amount).
    4. Attend hearings as scheduled.
  • Costs: Filing fees depend on the nature and value of the claim. For example, fees for small claims may start at AED 500.

B. Criminal Cases

Criminal cases involve offenses such as theft, assault, or fraud.

  • Where to report: Ajman Police or Public Prosecution.
  • Procedure:
    1. File a police report at the nearest police station or online via the Ajman Police app.
    2. The police will investigate and forward the case to Public Prosecution if necessary.
    3. The Public Prosecution will decide whether to proceed with charges.
    4. If charges are filed, the case will be referred to the Criminal Court.
  • Costs: Filing a police report is free, but legal representation costs vary.

C. Family and Personal Status Cases

Family cases include matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

  • Where to file: Personal Status Court at Ajman Courts.
  • Procedure:
    1. Submit a request to the court with all necessary documents (e.g., marriage certificate, Emirates ID, passport copies).
    2. Attend mediation sessions (mandatory for family disputes).
    3. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to court hearings.
  • Costs: Fees for family cases are generally lower than civil cases, starting at AED 200.

D. Labor Disputes

Labor disputes involve conflicts between employers and employees, such as unpaid wages or unfair dismissal.

  • Where to file: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or Labor Court.
  • Procedure:
    1. File a complaint with MOHRE (online or in person).
    2. MOHRE will attempt to mediate between the parties.
    3. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the Labor Court.
  • Costs: Filing a complaint with MOHRE is free. Court fees may apply if the case proceeds to court.

E. Commercial Cases

Commercial cases involve disputes between businesses or related to trade and commerce.

  • Where to file: Commercial Court at Ajman Courts.
  • Procedure:
    1. File a case with the court, providing all relevant documents (e.g., trade licenses, contracts).
    2. Pay the court fees (based on the claim amount).
    3. Attend hearings and provide evidence.
  • Costs: Filing fees depend on the claim amount, starting at AED 1,000 for small claims.

3. Key Legal Services and Resources

Ajman offers several resources to assist individuals and businesses with legal matters:

A. Legal Consultation

  • Where to find: Licensed law firms and legal consultants in Ajman.
  • Costs: Consultation fees vary but typically range from AED 500 to AED 2,000 per hour, depending on the complexity of the case.

B. Notary Public Services

  • Where to access: Ajman Courts or Ajman Municipality.
  • Services offered: Document attestation, power of attorney, contract notarization.
  • Costs: Fees start at AED 100 for basic notarization services.

C. Translation Services

Legal documents must be submitted in Arabic. Certified translation services are available in Ajman.

  • Costs: Translation fees range from AED 50 to AED 200 per page, depending on the document type.

D. Online Services

Ajman Courts and Ajman Police offer online portals and mobile apps for filing cases, paying fines, and accessing legal information:

4. Local Considerations

When dealing with legal and judicial services in Ajman, keep the following in mind:

  • Language: Arabic is the official language of the courts. Non-Arabic speakers should hire a certified translator or legal representative.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: The UAE follows Islamic Sharia law, so ensure your actions and claims align with local customs and laws.
  • Legal Representation: It is highly recommended to hire a licensed lawyer for complex cases. Lawyers must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice.
  • Mediation First: Many disputes, especially family and labor cases, require mandatory mediation before proceeding to court.
  • Timelines: Legal proceedings can take time, so be prepared for delays, especially in complex cases.

5. Costs and Payment Methods

  • Court fees and fines can be paid online via the Ajman Courts portal or in person at the court’s cashier.
  • Payment methods include cash, credit/debit cards, and e-payment systems.

6. Emergency Legal Assistance

  • Ajman Police Emergency: 999 (for immediate assistance).
  • Ajman Police Non-Emergency: 901 (for general inquiries).
  • Ajman Courts Helpline: +971 6 701 5555.

7. Contact Information

By understanding the above processes and resources, you can effectively navigate the legal and judicial system in Ajman. If you require further assistance, consider consulting a licensed legal professional familiar with UAE laws.