Recovering a bounced cheque
Direct enforcement to collect the unpaid amount.
Legal services · Cheques and breach of trust
Bounced Cheque Lawyer in Dubai
A bounced cheque in the UAE is now mostly a matter of recovering the money fast, not a criminal case. Our lawyers act for cheque holders who want to collect, and for people who issued a cheque and need to protect themselves, including in breach of trust cases.
- Rights of audience before all UAE courts
- Holders and issuers
- Arabic and English
- Strictly confidential
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Preview only: this form does not send requests yet.What happens when a cheque bounces in the UAE?
Since January 2022, a cheque returned for insufficient funds is mainly enforced directly through the execution court, so the holder can recover the unpaid amount without first winning a full lawsuit. Criminal liability remains for bad-faith situations, such as issuing a cheque in bad faith or stopping payment without a lawful reason.
Cases we handle
Bounced cheque and breach of trust cases we handle
We act for both sides.
Rent cheques
Unpaid rent cheques from tenants.
Security cheques
Disputes over guarantee cheques given to employers, landlords or lenders.
Defending the issuer
Protecting people facing enforcement, travel bans or criminal claims.
Business cheques
Supplier and customer cheques between companies.
Breach of trust
Misappropriation of money or goods entrusted to someone.
What we do
How our cheque lawyers help
The right route depends on the cheque and the facts.
- Assess the cheque and the bank's return reason
- Apply for direct enforcement of the cheque
- Request asset seizures and travel bans
- File criminal complaints where bad faith is involved
- Defend issuers in enforcement and criminal cases
- Challenge security cheques used wrongly
- Negotiate settlement and instalments
- File claims for breach of trust
- Appeal judgments
The facts behind a cheque matter. A security cheque, a rent cheque and a sale cheque can lead to very different outcomes.
What to bring
What to bring about a bounced cheque
The cheque
- The original cheque
- The bank's return notice
The background
- Contract, invoice or tenancy linked to it
- Messages with the other party
To act for you
- Emirates ID or passport
- A lawyer power of attorney, which we prepare
Act quickly
- Keep the original cheque safe
- Enforcement and claims have time limits
How it works
How we recover a bounced cheque in Dubai
- 01
Send us the cheque
A photo of the cheque and return notice on WhatsApp.
- 02
We choose the route
Direct enforcement, a claim or a criminal complaint.
- 03
We file and follow up
With the execution court or prosecution, including seizures and bans.
- 04
You get paid
Collected amounts are paid to you or settled in instalments.
Your side
Holder or issuer of the cheque
Holder
You want your money
We use direct enforcement to recover the amount and secure the debtor's assets.
Issuer
A cheque case is against you
We check the claim, negotiate where sensible and defend you in court.
Criminal defenceGood to know
Five things to know about bounced cheques in the UAE
- Keep the originalEnforcement needs the original cheque and return notice.
- Partial payment countsEnforcement covers the unpaid part of the cheque.
- Security cheques are differentUsing one wrongly can be challenged.
- Bad faith is still a crimeStopping payment without a lawful reason can lead to criminal liability.
- Settle in writingGet a notarized settlement if you agree to instalments. Settlement letters
Why Al Kirbi
Cheque cases handled by a firm that knows both sides
- Fast recovery routesWe use direct enforcement where it applies.
- Strong defenceWe protect issuers from wrongful claims and travel bans.
- Strictly confidentialYour financial matters are handled under legal professional confidentiality.
Bounced cheques: frequently asked questions
Is a bounced cheque still a crime in the UAE?
In most cases no. Since January 2022 a cheque returned for insufficient funds is mainly enforced directly through the courts. Criminal liability remains where there is bad faith.
How do I recover money from a bounced cheque?
By applying for direct enforcement at the execution court with the original cheque and return notice. The court can order seizures and travel bans against the debtor.
Can I get a travel ban against the person who wrote the cheque?
The court can impose one as part of enforcement, depending on the case.
What if my security cheque was presented wrongly?
You can challenge it. We review the agreement and defend you.
What is breach of trust?
A crime where someone misappropriates money or goods entrusted to them, for example funds given for a specific purpose.
How much does a cheque lawyer cost?
Fees depend on the amount and the route. We give you a clear quote after reviewing the cheque.
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