Expats in the UAE and foreigners with substantial assets in the region are often anxious about inheritance issues pertaining to such assets. For the dependents of persons dying intestate or without a Will, extracting their assets from this region may prove to be a task fraught with legal battles and delays due to layers of administrative procedures.
Guardianship of children in case of their parents’ death is another pertinent issue many foreigners residing in the UAE wish to address.
What is a DIFC Will?
Preparing a Will may be a solution to these problems and the most effective way of doing so in the UAE for a non-Muslim expat or foreigner might be through a DIFC Will.
A DIFC Will helps the testator take control of the disposal of their assets and transfer of guardianship of their children in case of their demise. It is registered with the Wills Service of the DIFC Courts and can be done from anywhere in the world over an online appointment through their seamless digital offering.
Is a DIFC Will Designed for Non-Muslims and Foreigners?
Yes, a DIFC Will is designed especially for non-Muslim expats and foreigners with assets in the UAE while it may be extended to their worldwide assets.
What are the Different Types of Wills in UAE?
DIFC offers five types of Wills:
- Full Will covering all assets of the testator and guardianship, both interim and permanent for their children
- Guardianship Will covering exclusively the appointment of guardians for minor children
- Business Owners’ Will covering shareholding in up to five companies in the UAE
- Property Will covering real estate properties within the UAE
- Financial Assets Will covering bank and/or brokerage accounts registered at a branch that is situated in the UAE
Apart from this, the DIFC Wills Service also allows mirror Wills to be created by married couples to ensure decisions regarding guardianship of their children and inheritance of jointly owned assets can be aligned while disposal of their individual assets can be stipulated by each as per their own decisions.
Advantages & Benefits of DIFC Wills?
The DIFC Wills have many advantages and unique benefits.
- These Wills can include assets anywhere in the UAE as well as global assets of a person.
- The Will is made in English and does not require an Arabic translation.
- It is governed by DIFC laws and is subject to the jurisdiction of DIFC Courts, which, being common law courts, afford certainty.
- The entire process of Will-making is digital and can be completed from anywhere in the world. The DIFC Wills are also the most hassle-free and smooth in terms of enforcement.
Who are Wills Draftsmen?
DIFC Wills service recommends that for legal advice or assistance in Will drafting one may refer to registered Wills Draftsmen, qualified and authorised by the DIFC Courts to advise you and assist you in drafting and registering your Will.
We, at Affiniax Legal, are equipped and eager to offer you support in preparing and registering your Will through services of registered draftspersons on our team.
For more information on how Affiniax can ensure your compliance strategy is current, effective, and future-ready, contact Akansha Seth, Registered Wills Draftsman – DIFC Courts (Dubai), at mail@affiniax.com.
