Learn how to do a will registration in Dubai, whether you’re a resident or a business owner. Safeguard your assets and ensure your wishes are followed with this comprehensive guide.
All You Need To Know About Will Registration in Dubai
The key to ensuring that your assets and belongings are dispersed in the manner you desire after your demise is to make a will. For expats and business owners living in Dubai, knowing how to register a will legally and what’s needed is important. In this post, we’ll go in-depth on will registration in Dubai, covering all you need to know to protect your legacy and make sure your assets are handed over legally.
Understanding a Will’s Importance
Let’s briefly discuss the need to create a will for residents and business owners in Dubai before getting into the specifics:
- A will lets you specify beneficiaries and guarantees that your assets are dispersed following your intentions.
- It reduces the possibility of disagreements arising among family members over problems about inheritance.
- A business owner’s will may contain directions for the orderly continuation of the business following its demise.
Legal Framework in Dubai for Creating a Will
Sharia law, which Dubai abides by, controls the division of a decedent’s assets and estate. However, non-Muslim expats and company owners can register a will per the legal framework of their home country or the Wills and Probate Registry of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The Wills and Probate Registry of the DIFC
Non-Muslim expats can have their wills registered following the laws of their home nations through the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. The registry’s main attributes are as follows:
- Jurisdiction: Assets in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are subject to the jurisdiction of the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry.
- Flexibility: It provides a variety of choices for making wills, such as guardianship clauses for young children, the selection of executors, and the allocation of particular gifts.
- Language: English can be used to compose wills, assuring readability and comprehension.
Requirements for Creating a Will in Dubai
To ensure that your will is valid, you must comply with the following requirements:
- Age: Making a will in Dubai requires that you be at least 21 years old.
- Sound Mind: When drafting the will, you must be of sound mind and not under the influence of anything.
- Witnesses: Two adults who aren’t beneficiaries must witness the will’s signature for it to be valid.
Making a Will in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide
Create a will that is legitimate in Dubai by following these steps:
Step 1: Asset and Property Inventory
List all of your possessions, including real estate, bank accounts, stocks, and other investments. Choose the distribution you want to make to your beneficiaries of each asset.
Step 2: Seek Legal Advice
To comprehend the legal implications and your options, speak with a lawyer or other legal expert focusing on wills and estates.
Step 3: Select between DIFC Registry and Sharia Law
Make a choice on whether you want your will to be subject to Sharia law or filed with the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry.
Step 4: Drafting the Will
If you choose the DIFC registry, you can create a personalised will with the aid of a lawyer using their templates. To avoid any uncertainties, make sure your directions are clear and detailed.
Step 5: Sign the Will
Two adults who are not beneficiaries should witness your signature on the will. The witnesses’ signatures are also required for the will to be legitimate.
Step 6: Registration and Safekeeping
The will should be either notarised by the appropriate authorities or registered with the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Keep a copy of your will with a trustworthy individual or your executor while keeping the original in a safe location.
Business Owners and Will Registration
If you are a business owner in Dubai, your will may contain particular clauses about your business setup. Take into account the following:
- Establishing a Successor: Choose a successor who will run your company after your demise.
- Continuity Plan: To guarantee a seamless transition, include a thorough plan for how your firm will continue to operate.
Protecting Your Will
You must save your will in a location that is both secure and easily accessible after registration or notarisation. Give a copy of the will to your lawyer or a safe storage facility, and let your executor or a trusted family member know where it is. Make careful to document and register any updates or modifications properly.
Making a will in Dubai is an important step for residents and company owners to protect their assets and make sure their legacy is carried out as intended. So, making a legally binding will requires getting legal counsel and following the right steps. By documenting your will today, give your loved ones the peace of mind they deserve.