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In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Abu Dhabi government has a well-structured system in place for matters pertaining to wills and testaments. The constitution upholds the importance of Sharia laws which traditionally govern issues regarding inheritance. However, for non-Muslim expats, recent legislative developments allow the option to choose the application of their home country’s laws to their inheritance matters.
A lawyer plays a crucial role in drafting a will and testament and navigating the potential complexity of the legislation. There are several scenarios where their expertise can be beneficial:
Predominantly, the local inheritance laws in Abu Dhabi are based on Islamic Sharia laws, which involve certain fixed share allocations. However, the UAE’s Personal Status Law permits non-Muslim foreigners to draft a will according to their home country’s laws. Additionally, non-Muslims can register their wills in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department to ensure their assets in the emirate are distributed as per their wishes.
Yes, as per the UAE’s Personal Status Law, non-Muslim foreigners are permitted to draft a will in accordance with their home country’s laws instead of Sharia laws.
Yes, registering the will with the appropriate legal entities, like the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, is crucial in ensuring its validity and enforcement.
There are no restrictions regarding who can be named as a beneficiary in your will. Beneficiaries can include spouses, children, friends, charities, or any other individual or organization you wish to include.
Yes, as circumstances change, it's important to update your will to reflect your current wishes. A lawyer can guide you through the process to ensure the changes are legal and binding.
If a person dies without a valid will in Abu Dhabi, the distribution of their assets falls under the UAE's Sharia laws, regardless of their nationality or religious beliefs.
For more guidance and information, you can consult the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. They provide resources and services to help both residents and expatriates in navigating the legal systems in place for wills and inheritance. Another helpful organization is the UAE Ministry of Justice.
If you need further legal assistance regarding wills and testaments in Abu Dhabi, ensure you engage a reputable local lawyer who is familiar with the laws in this area. This professional can provide advice, draft the will, and assist you in the registration process at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department to ensure your will is legally valid and enforceable.
