DUBAI: For expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), planning wills, inheritance, and guardianship is more than just a legal formality – it’s a safeguard for their assets and loved ones Without the right documents in place, an individual’s estate could be subject to Sharia law, potentially overriding personal wishes.
Fortunately, the UAE has taken significant strides in modernising its legal framework, allowing non-Muslims to register wills under common law and gain greater control over their inheritance.
With these new developments, expatriates now have more options than ever. However, navigating legal systems across different jurisdictions can be daunting. This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. Consulting experienced legal professionals not only ensures compliance with UAE laws but also provides peace of mind by safeguarding personal and family interests.
Legal expertise for expats in UAE
One firm making inheritance planning easier is Aramas International Lawyers. A female-led powerhouse in international family law, Aramas specialises in wills, inheritance, and guardianship. With offices in Abu Dhabi, the UK, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the firm offers tailored legal advice to expatriate families, helping them navigate the complexities of local and international legal systems with confidence.
At the helm of Aramas International Lawyers is Samara Iqbal, an international family lawyer with over 20 years of experience. With an in-depth understanding of Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts, she has helped countless expatriates secure their family’s future. “Ensuring that children and loved ones are protected is paramount,” says Iqbal. “Wills, inheritance, and guardianship planning should be approached with sensitivity and a long-term perspective.”
Taking the first step
A major concern for many expatriates is what happens if they pass away without a will. The default UAE legal system could dictate how their assets are distributed, often leading to unintended consequences. Disputes over inheritance, frozen bank accounts, and guardianship uncertainties for children can create unnecessary hardship for families left behind.
Recognising these challenges, the UAE has introduced new legal avenues to simplify estate planning. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s Non-Muslim Personal Status Court allows non-Muslim expatriates to draft wills that align with their home country’s legal system. Similarly, Dubai’s DIFC Wills Service Centre provides a dedicated platform for non-Muslims to register wills under common law principles, ensuring that their final wishes are honoured without ambiguity.
Guardianship: A critical consideration
For parents, guardianship planning is just as crucial as inheritance. If both parents pass away without a documented guardianship plan, their children may be placed under state-appointed guardianship.
To prevent this uncertainty, legal experts strongly recommend formalising guardianship arrangements, ensuring that children remain in the care of trusted family members or close friends.
Preventing family disputes
A well-structured and legally binding will can be the difference between a smooth transition and a bitter family dispute. Regularly updating estate plans and seeking expert legal counsel can help mitigate conflicts, ensuring that assets are distributed as intended and avoiding unnecessary stress for grieving family members.
Comprehensive legal support
Aramas International Lawyers goes beyond inheritance planning, offering a wide range of legal services including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, international divorce settlements, child custody disputes, and asset preservation. Their reputation speaks for itself – the firm’s inclusion in the prestigious Spears500 list and recognition by the Chambers and Partners UK Legal Guide solidify its standing as a leader in international family law.
With a deep understanding of Sharia law and regional legal frameworks, Aramas International Lawyers provides expatriates with specialised legal guidance across multiple jurisdictions. Beyond the UAE, their expertise extends to countries such as the UK, France, Spain, Kuwait, Bahrain, Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the USA.