{"id":56950,"date":"2026-06-03T11:32:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:32:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/?post_type=legal_developments&p=56950"},"modified":"2026-06-03T11:32:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:32:51","slug":"international-family-law-expert-dr-hassan-elhais-speaks-in-singapore","status":"publish","type":"legal_developments","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/thought-leadership\/international-family-law-expert-dr-hassan-elhais-speaks-in-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"International Family Law Expert Dr. Hassan Elhais Speaks in Singapore"},"content":{"rendered":"

International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026, attended by professional lawyer\u00a0Dr. Hassan Elhais.The exclusive summit was organized in\u00a0Singapore\u00a0by Drew & Napier, led by Shu Mei Hoon. The summit brought together the\u00a0leading family law\u00a0practitioners from around the world to discuss the challenging cross-border issues facing the\u00a0high net worth families.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dr. Elhais has over\u00a021 years of extensive legal experience<\/strong>\u00a0and has successfully handled over 8,000 cases, making him a\u00a0leading family lawyer Dubai trusts with complex international disputes<\/strong>. The round table discussions allowed the lawyers in Dubai and the UAE to share insights on\u00a0jurisdictional<\/a>\u00a0issues, asset protection, and\u00a0child relocation<\/strong>. This collaborative effort enhances the global legal community\u2019s capacity to assist the clients with\u00a0multi-jurisdictional family law matters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Dr. Hassan Elhais Joins Elite Family Law Practitioners in Singapore<\/h2>\n

Background of Dr. Elhais as Leading Family Lawyer Dubai<\/h3>\n

Dr. Hassan Elhais<\/strong>\u00a0moved to Dubai in 2006 and has been working as a Legal Consultant at Amal Alrashedi Lawyers & Legal Consultants. His practice is mainly in the area of\u00a0family law<\/strong>\u00a0affecting expatriates in the region, including divorce, child custody and\u00a0financial support matters<\/strong>. Thanks to his specialist expertise, professional lawyer Dr. Hassan Elhais has become highly sought after by\u00a0high-net-worth individuals<\/strong>\u00a0faced with\u00a0complex cross-border family disputes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

He is a member of several prestigious international\u00a0legal organizations<\/strong>. He is an associate member of the\u00a0American Bar Association<\/strong>\u00a0and a full member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, the\u00a0International Bar Association<\/strong>\u00a0and the International Society of Family Law. Dr. Elhais is the first expatriate member within the\u00a0UAE jurisdiction<\/strong>\u00a0of the\u00a0International Academy of Family Lawyers<\/strong>, a mark of distinction from international peers who consider him a leading specialist in his area.<\/p>\n

More than his memberships, Dr. Elhais is the elected\u00a0co-chair of the Relocation of Children Committee at IAFL<\/strong>, engaging in international discussions on\u00a0child relocation cases<\/strong>\u00a0relevant to the\u00a0Singapore summit<\/strong>\u00a0agenda. His work involves collaborating with top lawyers in Dubai and other jurisdictions to develop best practices for\u00a0multi-jurisdictional child custody issues<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Dr. Elhais has been consistently ranked by\u00a0Chambers & Partners in Band 1<\/strong>, Family\/Matrimonial (High Net Worth) in 2022-2025. He has been awarded over\u00a030 awards<\/strong>\u00a0in his career including the Corporate LiveWire and ACQ5 Global Awards for\u00a0Civil Law<\/strong>\u00a0and other international organizations. He has proven his thought leadership through over 300 local and international publications addressing the complex\u00a0legal issues<\/strong>\u00a0faced by practitioners and their clients in the UAE.<\/p>\n

Navigate UAE law with confidence. Become a part of\u00a0<\/i>r\/KnowTheLaw<\/a>\u00a0\u2014your Reddit group for sharp analysis, strategic advice, and real solutions to complex legal matters.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Invitation to the Exclusive Round Table Event<\/h3>\n

Given his eminence in\u00a0international family law<\/strong>\u00a0associations and his proficiency in\u00a0cross-border HNW matters<\/strong>, Drew & Napier has extended an invitation to Dr. Elhais to join their International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026.\u00a0Shu Mei Hoon<\/strong>, who leads the Singapore firm, brought together a few family law specialists from Dubai and\u00a0international practitioners<\/strong>\u00a0to address the jurisdictional challenges of wealthy families overseas. His co-chair role in the IAFL\u2019s Relocation Committee added value to discussions on\u00a0child relocation cases<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0asset protection strategies<\/strong>\u00a0for lawyers in Dubai working with international clients.<\/p>\n

Drew & Napier Hosts International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026<\/h2>\n

About Drew & Napier’s Role in Global Family Law<\/h3>\n

Drew & Napier LLC<\/strong>\u00a0has a leading private client dispute team covering private wealth and family matters,\u00a0international cross-border multi-jurisdictional disputes<\/strong>\u00a0and traditional family litigation. The firm helps clients develop\u00a0strategies to de-conflict disputes<\/strong>\u00a0and also deals with unresolved litigation, mediation, adjudication or arbitration. Their practice is focused on establishing the proper jurisdictional and legal grounds for\u00a0divorce<\/strong>, separation or annulment proceedings.<\/p>\n

The firm deals with the\u00a0complex cross-border<\/strong>\u00a0matters relating to\u00a0child relocation<\/strong>\u00a0disputes and child abduction, working with\u00a0foreign counsel<\/strong>\u00a0when necessary to protect client interests in different jurisdictions. Their lawyers are experienced in the full range of\u00a0international<\/a>\u00a0jurisdictional and\u00a0conflict of laws disputes<\/strong>\u00a0and remedies.\u00a0International marriages<\/strong>\u00a0raise issues of locating, valuing and enforcing against assets around the world, as about 40% of marriages in Singapore involve an international person.<\/p>\n

Shu Mei Hoon Leads the Singapore Summit<\/h3>\n

Shu Mei Hoon<\/strong>\u00a0is the organizer of the\u00a0International HNW<\/strong>\u00a0Family Law Round Table 2026 in Singapore. She became a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers in 2021. In 2023 she was appointed to the board of governors of IAFL. In 2024 she was inducted into the Private Client Global Elite directory for her expertise in\u00a0international private client and family disputes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

She delivers\u00a0legal expert<\/strong>\u00a0opinions to courts in various jurisdictions, including England and Wales, India, Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. She is a Certified\u00a0Digital Assets Advisor<\/strong>\u00a0and resolves complex\u00a0family<\/a>\u00a0disputes involving\u00a0cryptocurrency<\/strong>\u00a0and other\u00a0digital assets<\/strong>. Her formative experience is in\u00a0commercial litigation<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0international arbitration<\/strong>, having acted for corporates under SIAC, ICC, CIETAC, UNCITRAL and DIAC rules.<\/p>\n

Format and Structure of the Round Table Discussion<\/h2>\n

Round table meetings enable both parties and their\u00a0solicitors<\/strong>\u00a0to negotiate toward amicable settlements through direct discussion. The format provides time for all participants to focus on bringing matters to conclusion, with\u00a0lawyers<\/strong>\u00a0present to\u00a0advise and support<\/strong>\u00a0throughout the process.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Key Topics Discussed at the Family Law Summit<\/h2>\n

Cross-Border HNW Family Disputes<\/h3>\n

The summit focused on the\u00a0multi-jurisdictional family proceedings<\/strong>, which require coordination between different\u00a0legal<\/a>\u00a0systems and the enforcement mechanisms. The cross-border disputes involve analyzing forum shopping,\u00a0jurisdictional challenges<\/strong>\u00a0and the strategic coordination to ensure the best venue is chosen. For professional lawyer\u00a0Dr. Hassan Elhais<\/strong>\u00a0and other attendees, these matters demand a sophisticated representation across the\u00a0international divorce proceedings<\/strong>\u00a0and the complex enforcement actions while maintaining a consistent strategy across all jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

Child Relocation Cases in International Context<\/h3>\n

The relocation of\u00a0children internationally<\/strong>\u00a0was a key point of discussion, particularly as Dr. Elhais is co-chair of IAFL\u2019s\u00a0Relocation of Children Committee<\/strong>. Courts consider relocation proposals based on evidence and the lived experience of children in each scenario. The welfare of the child is the\u00a0guiding principle<\/strong>, not the preference of parents. Recent cases suggest that relocation applications should be\u00a0assessed holistically<\/strong>, examining all realistic possibilities and how the\u00a0child\u2019s daily life<\/strong>\u00a0would look either staying or relocating.<\/p>\n

Asset Protection Strategies for High Net Worth Families<\/h3>\n

Legal practitioners<\/strong>\u00a0explored the innovative approaches to tackle the jurisdictional challenges and\u00a0international enforcement mechanisms<\/strong>\u00a0across the different legal systems. Asset protection requires working with the\u00a0forensic investigators<\/strong>\u00a0and recovery specialists to locate the hidden assets and contest fraudulent transfers. Dubai based\u00a0family lawyers<\/strong>\u00a0and their international counterparts, debated the trust structures, offshore arrangements and business valuations demanding advanced\u00a0legal expertise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Jurisdictional Challenges for Lawyers in UAE and Beyond<\/h3>\n

In Dubai,\u00a0lawyers experience<\/strong>\u00a0specific difficulties when foreign nationals are seeking to apply the laws of their own countries on\u00a0personal status issues<\/strong>. The requirement to submit full texts of foreign\u00a0laws<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Arabic translation<\/strong>\u00a0and with certification makes the process almost impossible to implement and many courts choose to apply\u00a0domestic law<\/strong>. These procedural difficulties impact the UAE\u00a0practicing lawyer<\/strong>, dealing with\u00a0cross border issues<\/strong>\u00a0where different legal systems intersect.<\/p>\n

What UAE Clients Can Learn from International Family Law Practices<\/h2>\n

Global Best Practices Applicable to Dubai<\/h3>\n

International platforms like the\u00a0Drew & Napier<\/strong>\u00a0round table facilitate knowledge sharing that benefits the UAE practitioners and their clients immediately. The\u00a0Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024<\/strong>\u00a0modified the divorce, custody and maintenance systems to align with the global best practices. The\u00a0new legislation<\/strong>\u00a0raises the age of child custody to 18 years and standardizes the enforcement of\u00a0spousal support<\/strong>\u00a0for the expatriates and Emiratis. Similarly, the expatriate couples can elect foreign personal status regimes under the civil laws for enhanced legal certainty.<\/p>\n

Abu Dhabi<\/strong>\u00a0has adopted a\u00a0no-fault divorce system<\/strong>\u00a0for non-Muslims, adopting the international models discussed at such gatherings. The\u00a0jurisdiction<\/strong>\u00a0permits divorces within a short span of 14 days with effective\u00a0court management<\/strong>. The mediation practices have improved with a better understanding of\u00a0domestic abuse<\/strong>, including economic abuse, reflecting the changes in England and Wales and the\u00a0UAE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Strengthening UAE-Singapore Legal Cooperation<\/h3>\n

Lawyers in Dubai<\/strong>\u00a0who work across jurisdictions with international practitioners are useful to clients dealing with family matters that cross multiple jurisdictions.\u00a0Dr. Hassan Elhais<\/strong>\u00a0is a professional lawyer who along with the other attendees of the\u00a0Singapore summit<\/strong>\u00a0helps to build these required connections.<\/p>\n

This means that\u00a0UAE family law practitioners<\/strong>\u00a0are exposed to\u00a0international dispute resolution approaches<\/strong>\u00a0and can share regional expertise with\u00a0global colleagues<\/strong>\u00a0at events organized by firms such as Drew & Napier under the leadership of\u00a0Shu Mei Hoon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Drew & Napier\u2019s hosting of the\u00a0International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026<\/strong>\u00a0under Shu Mei Hoon\u2019s leadership is a landmark event for the\u00a0family law experts globally<\/strong>. Importantly, the exclusive conference created an essential platform for the\u00a0top-tier lawyers<\/strong>\u00a0to tackle the\u00a0complex international matters<\/strong>. The interactive setup encouraged the substantive exchanges on the\u00a0jurisdictional challenges<\/strong>\u00a0and advanced legal tactics. Similarly, these\u00a0global conferences<\/strong>\u00a0develop the networks of professionals that benefit wealthy families facing the\u00a0cross-border litigation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

1. What is Dr. Hassan Elhais’s background and experience in family law?<\/h3>\n

Dr. Hassan Elhais is a\u00a0highly experienced lawyer<\/strong>, with over 21 years of\u00a0legal experience<\/strong>\u00a0and has successfully handled more than 8000 cases. He moved to Dubai in 2006 and specializes in\u00a0family law matters<\/strong>\u00a0affecting the expatriates including divorce,\u00a0child<\/a>\u00a0custody and financial support cases. He has been ranked Band 1 by Chambers & Partners in\u00a0Family\/Matrimonial<\/strong>\u00a0(High Net Worth) and has received more than\u00a030 awards<\/strong>\u00a0during his career.<\/p>\n

2. What international legal organizations is Dr. Elhais affiliated with?<\/h3>\n

Dr. Elhais is a member of several leading international legal organizations including the\u00a0American Bar Association<\/strong>\u00a0(associate member), the\u00a0International Academy of Family Lawyers<\/strong>, the International Bar Association, and the International Society of Family Law. He is the first expatriate member of the\u00a0International Academy of Family Lawyers<\/strong>\u00a0in the UAE jurisdiction and is the elected co-chair of the Relocation of Children Committee at IAFL.<\/p>\n

3. What was the purpose of the International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026 in Singapore?<\/h3>\n

The summit attracted elite\u00a0family law practitioners<\/strong>\u00a0from around the world to discuss the complex cross-border issues facing the\u00a0high-net-worth families<\/strong>. Topics included multi-jurisdictional family disputes,\u00a0children\u2019s relocation<\/strong>, asset protection strategies and the jurisdictional issues. The\u00a0round table<\/strong>\u00a0format allowed for direct discussion and knowledge sharing amongst the international practitioners.<\/p>\n

4. How has UAE family law evolved to align with international best practices?<\/h3>\n

Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024<\/strong>, amended the laws of divorce, custody and maintenance in the UAE. The new\u00a0law increases<\/strong>\u00a0the age of\u00a0children for custody<\/strong>\u00a0to 18 years and makes enforcement of spousal support uniform. It also allows\u00a0expatriate couples<\/strong>\u00a0to adopt foreign personal status systems.\u00a0Abu Dhabi<\/strong>\u00a0has also introduced a\u00a0no-fault divorce system<\/strong>\u00a0for non-Muslims, allowing divorces to be completed in as little as 14 days.<\/p>\n

5. What makes cross-border family law cases particularly complex?<\/h3>\n

In\u00a0cross-border family law cases<\/strong>, a number of legal systems are involved, requiring cooperation among different\u00a0jurisdictions<\/strong>\u00a0and enforcement procedures including the\u00a0forum shopping analysis<\/strong>, jurisdictional conflicts,\u00a0cross-border identification of assets<\/strong>, international enforcement of court orders, etc. These problems need high-level representation and coordinated strategies to get the best results for the clients with global connections.<\/p>\n

6. Does Dr. Hassan Elhais specialize in any other areas of law besides family law?<\/h3>\n

Yes. Dr. Hassan Elhais is an internationally-known authority in the field of\u00a0International Family Law<\/strong>, but his academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree and PhD in Civil Law, combined with more than\u00a020 years of experience<\/strong>, enable him to manage a wide range of legal cases. He is a specialist in\u00a0Criminal<\/a>\u00a0Defense and Commercial Litigation having achieved great success for his clients in complex\u00a0white-collar crime cases<\/strong>, financial fraud, and high-profile\u00a0corporate disputes<\/strong>. He also offers expert advice in the fields of Arbitration, Banking and Financial Law, Corporate Governance, and\u00a0cross-border Estate Planning in Dubai<\/strong>, Abu Dhabi and throughout the UAE.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-56950","legal_developments","type-legal_developments","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/legal_developments\/56950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/legal_developments"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/legal_developments"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/developments\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}