The arrival of children into a family is a wonderful time. For new parents, it is full of promise and happiness. The daily changes in your child as they grow into little people full of inquisitiveness is a beautiful watch.
If you are thinking of starting a family, there are many things to think about. The level of responsibility grows with the arrival of each new member of the family. Initially, I recommend you consider the following questions:
Typically, one parent becomes the main breadwinner and the other looks after the home and family. Expats often use nannies to help out. This enables both parents to return to work in a shorter time. Thus minimising the time on which short-term savings have to be relied on.
Children are reliant on their parents for a very long time and consideration needs to be given to how their needs will be met if one or both parents are unable to meet those needs. This could be through loss of income, serious illness or even death.
Within the UAE, the rights of stepparents and parents who have adopted children are different from the rights of parents with biological children. Specialist advice should be sought in these circumstances.
If you have not already made a Will you should do so. If you have made a Will you should review it adding provisions for guardianship of children.