Samara Iqbal

Practice Areas

International Divorce

Samara has vast expertise in managing expat divorces for British citizens living abroad, particularly in the Middle East, UK, and other jurisdictions. She advises on issues of jurisdiction, financial settlements, and complex asset division, ensuring a smooth resolution even in multi-jurisdictional cases.

Sharia Law & Islamic Family Law

As an Islamic scholar and Sharia law expert, Samara specialises in cases involving Islamic family law, including Sharia-compliant divorce, inheritance, and marriage agreements. She provides tailored legal advice for clients seeking to navigate both English law and Islamic legal principles. Samara is part of the National Sharia Council in the UK as a panel member.

Child Custody & Child Arrangements

Samara advises on disputes involving child custody, visitation rights, and relocation across borders. She is experienced in handling sensitive international child abduction cases and ensuring that custody arrangements comply with both UK and local laws in countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Domestic Violence & Protection Orders

With a background in obtaining emergency Non-Molestation Orders, Forced Marriage Protection Orders, and Prohibited Steps Orders, Samara is a trusted advocate for clients in need of urgent protection from domestic violence and abuse. She is experienced in handling delicate cases involving vulnerable clients, offering clear guidance and swift legal solutions.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Samara regularly drafts prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for clients to protect their assets and outline financial arrangements in the event of divorce. She ensures these agreements are compliant with both UK law and relevant Sharia law provisions, offering peace of mind to clients from diverse backgrounds.

Cross-Border Family Litigation

Samara’s expertise includes handling family litigation matters that cross international borders, such as financial settlements and the enforcement of court orders in different jurisdictions. Her clients are from multiple jurisdictions.

Wills, Probate, and Estate Planning

In addition to family law, Samara advises clients on the preparation of wills, estate planning, and probate matters in the UAE.

Career

Samara Iqbal is the Director and Founder of Aramas International Lawyers, a niche family law firm specialising in international expat divorce, family litigation, and cross-border disputes. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, and Manchester, Samara and her team are dedicated to providing expert legal advice to British expatriates around the world. Samara’s legal career spans over 13 years, during which she has gained a unique expertise in Sharia law, child custody matters, property disputes, and financial settlements. Her dedication to justice and making family law accessible to all inspired her to launch Aramas International Lawyers in March 2019.

Aramas International Lawyers (2019–Present)

As the Director of Aramas International Lawyers, Samara provides comprehensive legal support to expatriate families across the Middle East and the UK. She oversees cases involving prenuptial agreements, child custody arrangements, asset division, and international jurisdiction issues. With a focus on offering a seamless legal experience, Samara ensures that her clients receive the best possible outcomes during challenging times. Her firm is one of the few internationally specialised in British expat family law, offering tailored services across a range of jurisdictions.

Makin Dixon Solicitors (2016–2019)

Before founding Aramas, Samara worked at Makin Dixon Solicitors, handling a varied caseload with a focus on children’s matters, domestic abuse, and cross-border disputes. She frequently represented clients in court for Children Act matters and obtained emergency orders such as Non-Molestation and Forced Marriage Protection Orders. Samara’s work at Makin Dixon solidified her reputation for effectively managing sensitive cases and protecting vulnerable clients.

Slater and Gordon Lawyers (2018)

At Slater and Gordon, Samara worked in the Family Law Department, specialising in Sharia law cases. She assisted clients with divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements, bringing her in-depth knowledge of Islamic law to British clients seeking Sharia-compliant legal solutions.

Ibrahim Albanna Advocates and Legal Consultants (2015–2016)

As a Partner at Ibrahim Albanna Advocates in Dubai, Samara handled Wills, probate, and guardianship cases, as well as family law matters. She drafted divorce agreements, guardianship documents, and powers of attorney, managing cases from start to finish and liaising with clients throughout the legal process.

TWS Legal Consultants (2014–2015)

During her time at TWS Legal Consultants in Dubai, Samara honed her expertise in drafting wills and family law agreements. She worked closely with clients, guiding them through the registration of wills and handling complex family law cases within the UAE legal system.

A.A Mirsons Solicitors (2011–2014)

At A.A Mirsons Solicitors, Samara handled a broad range of family law matters, including divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, child custody, and financial relief cases. She was also recognised for her ability to advise Muslim clients on family law matters, providing both English legal advice and Islamic guidance, making her a trusted advisor to many.

Education:

Master of Arts in Islamic Education and Arabic (University of Winchester) – 2011

Legal Practice Course (BPP Law School) – 2007

Graduate Diploma in Law (BPP Law School) – 2006

GCSEs and A Levels (Roundhay School) – 2001

Samara’s diverse legal career, coupled with her expertise in Sharia law and international family litigation, has made her a trusted figure in family law, particularly for British expatriates navigating complex legal systems. With a focus on delivering compassionate, effective legal services, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of her clients.

Languages Spoken

English

Arabic

Samara Iqbal is fluent in English and Arabic. Her ability to speak both languages allows her to effectively communicate with clients across different regions, particularly in the UK and Middle East, and to provide legal advice that is sensitive to both cultural and legal nuances in those areas.

Industry Sector Expertise

Expatriate Family Law

Samara specialises in providing legal services to British expatriates, focusing on divorce, family disputes, and child arrangements in complex cross-border cases. Her knowledge of multi-jurisdictional family law, particularly in the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, makes her a trusted advisor for expat families navigating different legal systems.

Sharia-Compliant Legal Services

As an expert in Islamic law, Samara advises on family law matters involving Sharia principles, including divorce, inheritance, and marriage agreements. Her unique background allows her to offer culturally appropriate legal solutions to Muslim clients in the Middle East and globally. Samara also sits on the National Sharia Council as a panel member in the UK.

International Child Custody & Relocation

Samara has significant experience in cases involving international custody disputes, child abduction, and relocation. She advises clients on navigating legal complexities surrounding cross-border parenting arrangements, ensuring compliance with both local laws and international conventions.

Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage

With a strong focus on safeguarding vulnerable individuals, Samara has extensive experience in domestic violence cases, offering protection through emergency orders such as Non-Molestation Orders and Forced Marriage Protection Orders. She provides essential support to clients facing coercion or abuse, particularly in cross-cultural contexts.

International Estate Planning & Wills

Samara offers expert guidance on estate planning for expatriates, particularly in drafting wills and managing probate matters in the UAE only. She assists clients in securing their assets across borders, ensuring that wills are legally enforceable where ever they are living.

Professional Memberships

International Bar Association

Resolution

Publications

https://www.esquireme.com/brief/why-do-uae-expats-get-divorced

https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/how-to-divorce-proof-your-business-all-you-need-to-know

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-why-divorces-are-more-common-during-january

Expert in these Jurisdictions

United Kingdom

UAE

Education

Awards