UAE family matters Q&As: can I get child custody if my husband is a drunk?

In my column in The National newspaper, I address a question from a concerned mother whose husband has recently become a heavy drinker and who wants to ensure she has custody over their children. I explain to her any custody case may go in her favour if the court decides it is in the children’s interest to have custody remain with the mother even when the children reach age. I also explain to a Muslim woman who wants to marry her Christian fiancé that he must first convert to Islam or the marriage will not be valid in the UAE.