The outbreak of Covid-19 has changed the way people work globally. The UAE was the front runner in adopting the latest technologies and methods to ensure the smooth functioning of government departments during this time. UAE courts were the first few departments that initiated video calls, giving way to virtual courts. The complete shutdown of judicial services is impossible no matter what the situations are—thus, the government ensured the quick availability of IT infrastructure to ensure the smooth functioning of courts.
Learning from the pandemic helped government departments to restructure their various functions. From virtual hearing to submitting forms online, there are multiple ways the technology is transforming UAE courts. Just like other departments, family dispute cases are also going online. Following the footsteps of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah Family courts also initiated family dispute resolution online.
On 2nd February 2022, the RAK courts have launched a new electronic service, “Electronic Registration of Family Cases.” It is an official electronic portal to facilitate the services to people. The new service is introduced with the aim to simplify and speed up the process. You can submit the applications to the Family Tolerance Department without physically attending the family court headquarters.
The initial trials of the service were started in 2020 when several family dispute cases were resolved through virtual sessions. The service is accessible to all. It is not compulsory to subscribe to electronic services. You can avail the services through easy, quick, and flexible procedures by logging in to the Ras Al Khaimah government site through your digital identity. Alternatively, you can gain direct access to the service through a verification code that directly reaches your phone number.
Some of the significant benefits of the services as shared by Judge Aref Al Zaabi (President of Family court) are as follows:
- The service allows customers to submit requests,
- Follow up on the situation.
- Make an inquiry.
- Make a request to postpone the sessions.
- You can check the dates of the upcoming sessions.
- Shortens the time for service completion and submission.
- It gives you the freedom to submit the application anytime and from anywhere.
Conclusion
The use of information technology is the way forward. With technology slowly becoming an integral part of all our lives, introducing such internet-based facilities is a welcome step. The change provides the functioning of courts and helps deliver quick services to the people. The digital services for family disputes are now launched in several emirates of the UAE. The services provide a comfortable environment that guarantees privacy, confidentiality, and ease.
Just like our prestigious courts, we also believe in the potential of the internet and how it is transforming the way we function. We are successfully connected with hundreds of our clients through online consultation in the past 2 years. We also offer phone consultations for people who are not comfortable with video consultations. You can also visit any of our offices in Sharjah, Dubai, or RAK.