Complete and personalized estate planning support
Analysis and advice
We advise and assist our clients with the transfer and management of their assets in the event of death, to ensure the best possible protection for their family.
Our support notably includes an analysis of their family and financial circumstances.
Drafting a will
We draft the will in accordance with the testator’s national law, such as French law, as well as applicable local laws.
We can also answer questions concerning inheritance laws, guardianship in the event of the parents’ death, and the executor.
Recording in Dubai
We handle the registration of the will with the DIFC or the Dubai Courts (Notary Public).
We are registered with the DIFC as a law firm authorized to draft wills (Draftsmen Will).
Why register a will in Dubai?
If you live in the Emirates, it is essential to consider inheritance matters and draw up a will. In the absence of a will, in the event of death, the rules applied will be those of the country, which may not correspond to the deceased’s wishes.
Registering a will with the DIFC is particularly recommended if you are not Muslim and/or were not born Muslim, if you hold assets in the United Arab Emirates - real estate, bank accounts, securities accounts, a vehicle, a boat, etc. - or if you have minor children under the age of 21 residing in Dubai.
A will may also be registered with the Dubai Court (Notary Public), particularly if you do not own real estate.
In the absence of a registered will
Asset allocation
In the absence of a will registered in Dubai with the DIFC, Sharia law may apply to settle the estate in the UAE and distribute the assets.
The process can take several years in the event of litigation, with the assets remaining frozen pending a judge’s decision. The distribution may also not reflect the deceased’s wishes: the surviving spouse may be entitled to 1/8, sons may receive double the shares of daughters, and certain relatives or uncles may receive part of the inheritance.
Protection of minors
Minor children under the age of 21 could be entrusted to a family member other than the one desired or, in extreme cases, placed under the protection of Dubai Municipality services until a guardian is appointed by a judge.
Special situations
Mirror Will
If you are married, it is possible to register a “mirror will” allowing assets to be transferred from one spouse to the other and vice versa.
Assets located in the European Union
For expatriates in the UAE with assets in the European Union, it is also recommended to register a will in their country of nationality to avoid local law being applied to assets located in Europe.
Since 17 August 2015, the criterion used to determine the law applicable to the succession of European Union nationals has been the deceased’s habitual residence.
Our skills
Will for assets in the United Arab Emirates
Drafting a will for assets located in the Emirates, with advice on asset distribution, the choice of executor, and temporary or permanent custody of the children.
Will for assets in Europe
Drafting a will for assets located in the European Union.
Recording
Will registration in Dubai with the DIFC or the Dubai Court (Notary Public).
Merritt Group lawyer Josephine D’Angelo is registered in the Register of lawyers authorized to draft wills at the DIFC (Draftsmen Wills).
Our prices
We invite you to contact us for details of our fees for a will in Dubai.