UAE mother left without a home after gifting property to her daughter
A legal consultant in the UAE has drawn attention to a distressing family dispute that began when a mother transferred ownership of her home to her unmarried daughter, only to be evicted shortly afterward.
A Mother’s Act of Love Turns Sour
The case was discussed by lawyer and legal consultant Aisha Rashid Al Tunaiji on the Sharjah TV programme Qadiya Lil Hiwar (“An Issue for Discussion”). The mother, who had several adult sons who were married, settled, and living independently, felt a particular attachment to her younger, unmarried daughter. Wanting to secure her daughter’s financial future and ensure she would always have a place to live, the mother decided to transfer full legal ownership of her property to the daughter.
Once the transfer was completed, however, the daughter evicted her mother from the house. What had been intended as an act of love and security turned into a painful family conflict.
Sons Refuse to Intervene
Seeking help, the mother turned to her sons, hoping they would intervene and help her regain access to the home. Instead, they told her that she had made the decision herself by registering the property in her daughter’s name and would have to face the consequences. According to the account discussed on the programme, the completed transfer left the mother in a vulnerable position, as the daughter had become the sole registered owner of the property.
The case illustrates how a decision made out of parental affection can have serious consequences when ownership is transferred without adequate legal protection.
Legal Expert Warns of Risks Without Safeguards
Al Tunaiji highlighted the importance of understanding the legal implications of gifting property or transferring assets to children, particularly when parents intend to continue living in the property. Parents may transfer homes or other assets to their children out of love, generosity, or a desire to provide long-term financial security. However, without appropriate legal arrangements, they risk losing control over assets they may still depend on for their own housing and financial security.
The case also underscores the importance of seeking professional legal advice before completing a property transfer. Depending on the applicable law and the circumstances, legal safeguards may include arrangements protecting a parent’s right to live in the property, or clearly defined conditions governing the transfer. Such provisions should be properly drafted and legally valid before ownership changes hands.
Lessons for Parents Considering Property Transfers
The central lesson of the case is that good intentions alone cannot guarantee protection. Parents considering transferring their homes or other significant assets to their children should understand the legal consequences and ensure their own future security is addressed before signing over ownership.
