International Family Law Expert Dr. Hassan Elhais Speaks in Singapore

Why It Matters

The gathering strengthens cross‑border legal networks, enabling wealth‑preserving families to navigate complex multi‑jurisdictional disputes more effectively. It also signals the UAE’s commitment to align its family‑law framework with international best practices, benefitting both regional and global clients.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Elhais handled over 8,000 family law cases in 21 years.
• He co‑chairs IAFL’s Relocation of Children Committee.
• Drew & Napier’s Singapore round table tackled cross‑border HNW disputes.
• UAE’s 2024 Family Law reforms align with global best practices.
• Event fostered UAE‑Singapore legal cooperation for high‑net‑worth families.

Pulse Analysis

The surge in cross‑border wealth has amplified demand for lawyers who can bridge divergent legal systems. Dr. Hassan Elhais exemplifies this niche, combining deep familiarity with UAE personal‑status law and extensive exposure to international forums. His participation in the Singapore round table underscores how seasoned practitioners are becoming pivotal conduits for high‑net‑worth clients seeking seamless divorce, custody, and asset‑protection strategies across continents. By leveraging his IAFL leadership role, Elhais helps shape policy discussions that directly influence how courts assess child‑relocation cases in a globalized context.

Drew & Napier’s summit served as a micro‑cosm of the broader challenges confronting affluent families: forum shopping, enforcement of foreign judgments, and the intricacies of offshore trusts. Attendees dissected practical solutions, from forensic asset tracing to coordinated arbitration, reflecting a shift toward proactive, multi‑jurisdictional planning. The dialogue also highlighted recent UAE reforms—most notably Federal Decree‑Law No. 41 of 2024—which raise the custodial age to 18 and standardise spousal‑support enforcement, thereby reducing procedural friction for expatriates and aligning the emirate with Western family‑law norms.

Looking ahead, the event’s networking outcomes are likely to deepen UAE‑Singapore legal collaboration, offering clients a more integrated service model. Firms like Drew & Napier can now tap into a broader pool of expertise, facilitating swift resolution of disputes that span the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and beyond. For high‑net‑worth families, this translates into greater certainty, reduced litigation costs, and the ability to protect wealth across borders with confidence.