Helen Farmer
This is Dubai Eye 103.8 Navigating the Legal Minefield. That’s right, but it’s not me that’s going to be doing that—we’ve got an expert in the studio! Ludmila Yamalova is the founder and managing partner of Yamalova & Plewka. Actively managing and practicing since 2009, she is a US-qualified attorney, licensed by the State Bar of California. And, well, I’m not going to say how many years of experience because—
لودميلا يامالوفا
Please don’t. I’m forever young.
Helen Farmer
Of course! Prior to moving to Dubai and setting up her practice, she was the associate general counsel of a Nasdaq-listed company in Silicon Valley. Got questions for her? From relationships to residency, setting up businesses to getting out of businesses, get in touch! How are you?
لودميلا يامالوفا
Very well, thank you. Good to see you.
Helen Farmer
I have to say, you look really well-rested!
لودميلا يامالوفا
That’s because the baby is sleeping. Sleep is king.
Helen Farmer
Absolutely. It’s such a game-changer. I was just listening to something over the weekend about how much industries like fitness, beauty, and food are worth compared to the sleep industry. Sleep, though so key to everything, isn’t a flashy business—apart from the occasional bed maker.
لودميلا يامالوفا
Nothing makes you look or feel better than uninterrupted sleep. Even just an hour can be transformative.
Helen Farmer
Those early days of parenting! What’s new with you? What’s coming into your office these days?
لودميلا يامالوفا
As always, employment issues are a hot topic, both from the perspective of employers and employees. Company setups and restructuring have also been common lately.
Helen Farmer
What other areas are you seeing interest in?
لودميلا يامالوفا
Wills and inheritance cases have been trending recently, as well as divorces and prenuptial agreements. Real estate remains a constant focus, and interestingly, we’ve also seen an uptick in small and mid-sized businesses seeking contract drafting services to protect their interests.
Helen Farmer
Let’s dive into some listener questions. Rahul has written in. He says, “I was working with a company for five years before leaving in December. The company was struggling financially, and most employees either resigned or had their contracts terminated. I was getting half my salary for six months until I found a new job. They still haven’t paid my overdue wages or end-of-service benefits. What’s the best way to get what I’m owed?”
لودميلا يامالوفا
If you can amicably agree with the company, even for a partial settlement, that’s the best approach given their financial struggles. If not, your recourse is to file a case with the labor court. Keep in mind, filing a case is time-consuming and may incur costs, even though labor cases are relatively affordable. Also, if the company has no funds, even a favorable court judgment may not lead to enforcement. Start with negotiations. A partial settlement may be better than pursuing litigation where funds may not exist.
Helen Farmer
Great advice. We also have a question about prenuptial agreements. A listener says, “I’m getting married soon and would like a prenup to protect my assets. How can I go about this?”
لودميلا يامالوفا
It depends on the type of marriage. For Muslim marriages, prenups are typically unnecessary since each party retains their assets in case of divorce. For non-Muslim marriages, prenups are highly advisable, as they allow for clear separation of assets. Ensure the agreement does not contradict the laws of the jurisdiction governing the marriage and accounts for complexities in multi-jurisdictional families. Convincing your partner may be sensitive, but it’s a practical step for asset protection.
Helen Farmer
Thank you, Ludmila. Your insights are invaluable as always.
لودميلا يامالوفا
Thank you—it’s always a pleasure to share knowledge and help clarify these legal questions.
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