Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Dubai

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Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
Renowned Dubai Based Mangalorean Advocate Sunil Ambalavelil Granted UAE Golden VisaMangaluru: Dubai based corporate Lawyer and Legal expert Sunil Ambalavelil has been awarded the prestigious Golden Visa by the Government of UAE in recognition of his excellence in the legal profession spanning...
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James Berry & Associates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 1986
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
JAMES BERRY & ASSOCIATESWelcome to James Berry & Associates, one of the longest established legal practices in Dubai.James Berry & Associates offers an overall solution for the full range of clients’ legal needs, from entry into the country and establishing legal status, to setting up...
Ahmad Anwahi Advocates and Legal Consultancy
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2016
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
Company ProfileWe are a young and dynamic law firm that provides Value-Added and Solution-Oriented service to our Clients. With a decade of legal expertise, the team at Ahmad Anwahi Advocates & Legal Consultancy boasts of distinguished and experienced panel of advocates and legal consultants...
Law Bridge Law Firm

Law Bridge Law Firm

1 hour Free Consultation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2017
20 people in their team
Arabic
English
French
German
Russian
Slovak
Ukrainian
Telugu
Kirghiz
Kazakh
Whether you’re in search of legal services in Dubai, top Lawyers and Law Firms in Dubai for Debt Recovery in the UAE, any type of dispute, litigation, requiring Legal Representation in Dubai Courts and UAE Courts, or contemplating launching, organizing, restructuring, or establishing businesses,...

Founded in 1997
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
25 WONDERFUL YEARS SERVING YOU Al Gurg & Al Matrooshi Advocates & Legal Consultants (GMALC) as an established law firm in UAE since 1997, we offer the best legal services in wide range of areas of practice in UAE such as but not inclusive; (Administrative Law, Arbitrations, Aviation...
ALGaber Legal Consultancy
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 2021
5 people in their team
English
Arabic
Welcome to AlGaber Legal Consultancy, your trusted partner in legal services. Our team of experienced lawyers and legal advisors are committed to providing you with the best legal solutions for your business needs.We understand that legal issues can be complex and overwhelming, which is why we...
Helene Mathieu Legal Consultants
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 1998
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
ABOUT USOur FirmFounded by Helene Mathieu, HMLC is one of the longest running boutique law firms with nearly two decades of experience. The firm is conveniently located in Business Bay, Dubai, UAE and has in-depth knowledge of the local business culture and the legal systems within the GCC. With...

Founded in 2006
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
OverviewWe offer advice and legal services in all areas of law, including but not limited to, commercial, corporate, maritime, insurance, banking and finance, construction, franchise, tax, trust and estate planning, employment, intellectual property, information technology, Sharia, Arbitration and...

Founded in 2001
50 people in their team
Arabic
English
Al Reyami Advocates and Muhyealdeen International Legal Consultants is a top law firm founded since 2001 having over 50 lawyers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Istanbul and New York with best International and Local advocates - practicing and specializing in the different field of...
Carter Hoppe Legal Consultants
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Founded in 1994
10 people in their team
Welcome to Carter Hoppe Legal Consultants.We are a leading boutique multi-jurisdictional law firm based in Dubai and Toronto.  We advise our clients on all aspects of their business and private life. Our clients include professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and investors, both onshore...
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About Estate Planning Law in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Estate planning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be complex due to the existence of both federal and emirate-specific laws. It primarily focuses on how an individual’s estate (assets, investments, property etc.) will be managed and distributed after their death. Estate planning might also include directives for personal care if the person becomes incapacitated. In the absence of a legally binding will, the local courts may distribute a deceased person’s estate in accordance with Sharia law, which might not align with the deceased's wishes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Navigating the estate planning process in the UAE can be challenging without professional legal assistance. A lawyer can help you in creating a comprehensive estate plan that covers all your assets. They can help you understand the impact of the UAE's laws, as well as the potential tax implications of the different elements of your estate. Estate lawyers can also assist in the execution of the will following a death, ensuring that your wishes are accurately carried out.

Local Laws Overview

In Dubai, both in the onshore UAE jurisdiction and the offshore jurisdictions of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), there exist specific laws that impact estate planning. In absence of a legally validated will, UAE courts tend to distribute assets according to Sharia law. Sharia law places limitations on how assets are distributed upon death, with a preference for distribution among male relatives. The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry, though, offers non-Muslim residents an opt-out of Sharia law in a legally binding manner, allowing them to distribute their Dubai-based assets as per their own wishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-residents own property in Dubai?

Yes, non-residents can own property in Dubai, both freehold and leasehold, and can bequeath it through a will. However, legal counsel is recommended to navigate estate planning for such properties.

Are there taxes on inheritance in Dubai?

Currently, there are no direct inheritance or estate taxes in Dubai. However, there can be other financial implications, such as potential property transfer fees upon the executor's appointment.

Will my home country’s will be recognized in Dubai?

While Dubai courts do recognize foreign wills, they can be contested and may not be treated as strongly as a locally-registered will. Thus having a Dubai-registered will is advisable.

What happens if I die without a will?

If a non-Muslim resident dies without a will, the UAE courts may distribute the assets according to Sharia law. This can lead to an unexpected and undesired allocation of the estate.

Can I disinherit a family member?

Under Sharia law, it is generally challenging to disinherit a family member, particularly if they are a male relative. However, a legal counsel can advise non-Muslim residents on bypassing this through various legal avenues.

Additional Resources

For further information or assistance with Estate planning, you can refer to bodies like The UAE Ministry of Justice, The Dubai Courts, and The Dubai International Financial Centre Wills Service Centre.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in estate planning, the recommended next step is to consult with an attorney experienced in this area. They can guide you in creating a will and other documents to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, offering peace of mind for you and your family.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Dubai through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Estate Planning, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Dubai, United Arab Emirates - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.