Inheritance Laws and Sharia Principles
In the absence of a registered Will, the distribution of a deceased person's assets in the UAE is generally governed by Sharia Law principles as codified in the Federal Personal Status Law. For expatriates, this can lead to unexpected outcomes regarding the allocation of real estate, bank accounts, and corporate shares.
Why a Registered Will is Critical
- Asset Protection: Ensures that your estate is distributed according to your specific wishes rather than statutory defaults.
- Guardianship: Allows parents to legally nominate guardians for minor children, avoiding potential custody disputes.
- Probate Efficiency: A registered Will (through DIFC or Abu Dhabi Courts) significantly accelerates the probate process and reduces legal costs for survivors.
Recent legislative reforms have made it easier for non-Muslims to apply the laws of their home country, but this is only guaranteed if a valid, recognized Will is in place prior to demise.