Samara Iqbal is the director of Aramas Family Law, where she provides comprehensive legal support to expatriate families across the UK and Middle East. She specialises in prenuptial agreements, child custody arrangements, asset division, and complex cross-border jurisdiction issues. With a focus on delivering a seamless legal experience, Samara guides clients through challenging family matters while working to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her firm is among the few internationally focused practices specialising in British expat family law across multiple jurisdictions.
What was your career path to your current role?
My legal career spans over 14 years and has focused on family law with a strong international dimension. I have focused exclusively on family law, gaining extensive experience in divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, and international disputes. Early in my career, I acted as a legal consultant for UK clients, advising on complex cross-border cases and providing Sharia-compliant solutions where relevant. I developed specialist expertise in sensitive matters such as domestic abuse, forced marriages and children’s rights, as well as representing clients in courts across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
In 2019, I founded Aramas Family Law to provide British expatriates with expert, accessible and culturally informed legal support. Since then, I have expanded the firm with offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, leading a team dedicated to resolving international family disputes efficiently and effectively, combining UK family law expertise with practical knowledge of cross-border legal systems.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
My academic background supported my ambition to combine legal expertise with cultural and religious literacy, allowing me to guide clients through family matters involving Sharia principles in a way that is both technically sound and compassionate. I’ve always been motivated by the goal of making complex legal systems more accessible and humane, especially for families navigating international and cross-border family law challenges. Starting my own firm allowed me to focus on these areas and create a practice that helps make difficult situations in family law as clear and manageable as possible.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
When I founded my firm, I was struck by how many people were seeking support, which motivated me to work even harder to make the process easier for them. Helping people navigating family law challenges through some of the most difficult moments in their lives has become my purpose. I focus on providing clarity, guidance and reassurance. Over time, supporting clients has allowed me to become the trusted expert people turn to in the niche of international family law.
What has been the best development in family law in the last 20 years?
One of the best developments in family law in the last 20 years has been the introduction of no-fault divorce. This change has significantly reduced the emotional strain and financial burden of divorce proceedings, as it eliminates the need for contentious accusations or lengthy litigation. No-fault divorce promotes a healthier, more respectful approach to ending a marriage, encouraging amicable settlements and providing individuals with a more straightforward, less adversarial path to moving on with their lives. It also reduces the stigma associated with divorce, making it a more accessible option for those who need it, and often results in better outcomes for children involved in the process.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
Clearer legislation around international child relocation and cross-border family disputes. Families increasingly live across different jurisdictions, and greater consistency would reduce uncertainty and better protect children.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
I would reform some of the more outdated procedural rules that make family litigation unnecessarily adversarial. Family law should focus on resolution and the wellbeing of children, not prolonging conflict.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
Never lose sight of the human story behind a legal case. In family law, empathy and listening are just as important as legal expertise.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
The best advice I would give to someone starting out in law is to take your time and really explore where your passion lies. Early in your career, gain as much experience as possible, this can be through shadowing a mentor or observing how different specialties work in practice. This will help you understand not just what you are good at, but what you truly enjoy. Once you find the field that excites you, focus on building deep expertise and developing a reputation in that niche.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or planning my next travel adventure with my family.
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