A registered will is the best way to make sure your assets pass as you wish and that a guardian you trust is appointed for your children. But where you register affects what the will covers and how it is carried out.
Why register a will?
Without a will the estate is distributed under the law, which may not match your wishes. Procedures can also take longer, and access to some accounts may be frozen until they are complete.
The registries available
Non-Muslims have several options, each with its own requirements and scope:
- Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court
- DIFC Wills Service
- ADGM Courts wills registry
- Notaries public in the other emirates
How to choose
The choice depends on where your assets are, which emirate you live in, whether you want to appoint a guardian for your children, and the cost and procedure of registration.
Review your will whenever your circumstances change: a new marriage, a child’s birth, or a property purchase.
This content is general information, not legal advice. Procedures vary by emirate and by case, so speak to a lawyer before making any decision.
