Practice Areas
Inheritance
Contracts should have clear intent. We represent our clients at court where mediation and/or arbitration fails. Primary law act 91/4 state the elements and essentials related to contractual disputes. Have a chat with us about it and take our two cents.
Civil Litigation
First line is Civil Court in Male’ and Magistrates in Atolls. Civil cases include areas of private law such as goods, payment, rent, libel, estate and cases of administrative nature. We serve as legal representatives and provide legal opinion and advice for all above.
Real Estate
Act 2002/1 is a milestone in Maldivian Law. Changes to transactions and improvements were introduced. Albeit it may be a tad bit complex for untrained and inexperienced layman, we do have experience and acumen. Be it a change of public land into private, Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs), all court procedures for registration, we are a total one-stop-shop solution including services in Male’ and Atolls.
Recoveries
It is almost impossible to trade without providing goods and services on credit these days. Expanding businesses require efficient debt management. We offer debt recovery services. Our priority is to find solutions for clients and customers reach amicable terms. We realise that the efforts are in vain unless payments are received, so we don’t charge unless payment is recovered by client. We have recovered millions of Rufiyaa for our clients with average 2.6 million Rufiyaa per annum. Cheque claims are also a speciality area. We have handled cases of all sizes from recovery of measely 4000 Rufiyaa to getting clients their rightful millions in some cases. Our success rate remains high due to our commitment and diligent approach.
Gift
We have a long-standing tradition of gifting in Maldives. Now courts review such cases to ensure rights of the legal heirs are protected. No exchange occurs when a gift is written into a Will but an act of giving. In Male’ such cases are filed at the Family Court and with Magistrates in the Atolls. It is not permitted to differentiate among children or exclude any heirs by means of a will. We represent and advice clients on the giving or receiving ends.
Employment Related Cases
Act 2008/2 protects the rights of employees primarily. As such it is important for employers to implement their obligations according to the law. Drafting employment agreements accordingly can ensure some protection to the employers too. Court rulings exist as precedence on necessary redundancy. Our policy is to protect both employees and employers within the premise of the law.
Criminal Cases
Rights of the accused are sometimes waived because accused is unaware of relevant statutes. Lawyers must be well-versed and experienced in assisting clients related to act 2016/12, 2014/9. We are active in all areas of public law.
Inheritance
Clear ruling in the religion prevail regarding heritage. First funeral, next debts and wishes implementation. Then distribution among heirs. Sura Nisaa v.7 prescribes that men have a part, women have a part, and more or less the parts are determined. Maldivian Laws introduced changes in how estate is distributed but within Islamic Shariah. Whether in Male’ Family Court or at Atolls Magistrate, we assist our clients.
Insurance
Insurance is a fast growing sector in the Maldives. Estates, vessels and businesses are increasingly using this to protect themselves against possible tragedies. It requires deep understanding to claim where a right is lost. We are active in this area
Land Related Cases
Common land issues include conversion of public land into private land, sale of land, purchase, joint ownership property, exchange of deeds, gifting and wills, care conditioned implementation etc. we can assist in all of the above.
Family Case
Family law relates to marriage mainly, but it also covers domestic violence, divorce and related family issues, such as child expenses, custody etc. We assist in all family law matters.
Will by Deeds
Quran commands us to honor wills. Maximum 1/3 of the estate can be given away as gifts. Scholars advice that it is not permitted to name heirs in a will. In Islamic Shariah it is also prohibited to reduce anyone’s heritage by will. Male’ family court and Atolls magistrates handle cases related Wills and Deeds. We have experience representing clients in this area.
Services
Mediation
Mediation is the process of reaching amicable solutions to disputes. To-date Crystal Chambers team have successfully mediated in resolving disputes prior to and during the court process. Interests of both parties are protected by an experienced mediator. Hence, amicable resolution outside court is a growing an area of practice in law.
Attestation
Among the services rendered by lawyers is the attestation stamping of documents confirming that they are true copies of the originals. These can include academic certificates, passport, Identity card etc. and it is one of the express services available at Crystal Chambers.
Translation
Other services provided by Crystal Chambers LLP include translation of documents from Dhivehi to English and from English to Dhivehi. We are also able to prepare documentation in Arabic as well as translations from Arabic. These include Laws, Regulations, Procedures, Court Rulings etc. Our commitment is to deliver in a timely manner.
Legal Advice
It is important that the opinions and advice in relation to Domestic and Commercial disputes come from a source that is reliable and with integrity. Try us for such reliable and honest advice.
Agreements Drafting and Registration
Protection of rights of both parties within the premise of the laws with due care and consideration is one of the cornerstones of drafting legal agreements. Understanding of precedence is an important area to consider when drafting agreements within the provisions of the Contract Law. The legal framework governing Maldivian contracts include key elements from the Contract Laws of UK and India. We have often been asked by clients to have contracts and agreements registered in courts and this is something we can definitely assist with.
Legal Aid
Crystal Chambers LLP provide legal services and representation without charging any legal fees to underprivileged and those with financial hardship. This is something our team are accustomed to even prior to the birth of Crystal Chambers LLP. Our policy is not to exclude anyone from being represented nor denied services due to lack of financial capacity. We have arrangements to provide services to everyone without discrimination
Company, Partnership and Foreign Investment Registration
Company, Partnership and Foreign Investment Registration: are essential for starting up a business. Partnerships require clear agreement between members for ease of operation and registration. This also ensures protection of rights of the partners where the partnership is to be dissolved. Careful structuring is therefore crucial considering the above. Hence, business and commercial knowledge and etiquette is necessary. Foreign investments are a business model for non-Maldivians to invest in the Maldives. A good business proposal is one of the initial pre-requisites according to government guidelines on foreign investments. Relevant authorities review such proposals to consider registration of a business as a foreign investment. At Crystal Chambers LLP we have a skilled team active in preparation of such proposals and rendering corporate services.
Notary Services
Agreements and document notarization is an age old service rendered by law firms. Although it has only been a handful of years since notary services were introduced within the provisions of Maldivian legal framework, Crystal Chambers LLP provide this service to our clients as an early incumbent. Confidence and verification of Agreements can be ensured through notarization as an alternative to registration in courts.
Legislative Drafting
Legislative Drafting of Bills and Regulations is a skilled profession. The Partners of Crystal Chambers have over 18 years’ experience in this area. Detailed research into the context and content is necessary in drafting Bills, Regulations and policies. Unless due care is given they may require amendments even before they come into effect. Thus, such work should be awarded to capable parties. Crystal Chambers team comprise of capable and experience individuals in the area of drafting legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Testimonials
Excellent team!
Ahmed Mohamed
We acknowledge the excellent recovery services provided Crystal Chambers LLP's Managing Partner Abdulla Rasheed.
Damas Company Pvt Ltd