Wills And Estate Planning
Register a legally valid will in the UAE through DIFC, ADJD, or local notary. Fakher & Co helps expats appoint guardians, choose beneficiaries, and protect family assets.
Secure Your Legacy and Protect Your Family’s Future with a Legally Registered Will
Estate planning is one of the most important and caring things you can do for your loved ones. A Will is a legal document that allows you to decide exactly how your assets will be distributed after your passing, who will care for your minor children, and how your final wishes will be carried out. For expatriates living in the UAE, having a registered Will is absolutely critical to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, rather than being subject to default local inheritance laws.
At Fakher & Co, we provide expert guidance on drafting and registering legally compliant Wills in the UAE. We help you navigate the different options available to expatriates, ensuring your Will is valid, enforceable, and provides complete peace of mind for you and your family.
Why is a Registered Will Essential for Expatriates in the UAE?
In the absence of a registered Will, the assets of a deceased expatriate may be distributed according to the principles of Islamic Sharia, which may not align with your personal wishes. Furthermore, the process can be lengthy and complex for your family. A registered Will allows you to:
- Opt-Out of Sharia Law: It allows you to specify that the inheritance laws of your home country should apply to the distribution of your assets.
- Appoint Guardians for Your Children: You can formally appoint guardians to care for your minor children, which is one of the most critical reasons for expatriates to have a Will.
- Choose Your Beneficiaries: You can decide exactly who inherits your assets and in what proportions.
- Simplify the Inheritance Process: A registered Will dramatically simplifies and speeds up the process of transferring your assets to your family, reducing stress and uncertainty during a difficult time.
Options for Registering Your Will in the UAE
We provide assistance with drafting and registering Wills through the official channels available to non-Muslim expatriates:
1. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Wills * A popular and comprehensive option that allows you to register a Will covering your assets both within the UAE and worldwide. * The process is conducted in English and is based on common law principles. * The DIFC Courts provide a dedicated and efficient probate process to enforce the Will after your passing.
2. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Wills * Another excellent option for non-Muslims to register a Will covering their assets in the UAE. * The ADJD allows for the registration of Wills in English and provides a clear legal framework for non-Muslim inheritance.
3. Notarized Wills Before a Local Notary Public * It is also possible to draft a bilingual Will and have it notarized before a local UAE Notary Public. This Will can state your wish for your home country’s law to apply.
Our Will Drafting and Notarization Service
- Consultation: We consult with you to understand your family structure, your assets, and your wishes for distribution.
- Drafting: We draft a clear and comprehensive Will that accurately reflects your wishes and complies with the requirements of your chosen registration authority (e.g., DIFC or ADJD).
- Registration Assistance: We guide you through the process of signing and registering your Will with the relevant authority, ensuring all legal formalities are met.
Protect What Matters Most
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. A registered Will is an essential act of planning and protection. Let the estate planning experts at Fakher & Co help you create a legally sound Will that secures your legacy and protects your loved ones.