Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Will & Testament Law in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is centered around Islamic law, or Sharia, which prescribes detailed rules concerning testamentary disposition of property. Every Muslim has the right to bequeath up to one-third of their estate to whomever they wish, so long as it doesn't interfere with the rights of the legal heirs. The remaining two-thirds are to be distributed among legal heirs as per specified Sharia shares.
Creating or reviewing a will is a critical legal step that affects personal and familial financial future. The rules of intestate succession in Saudi Arabia differ greatly from those in western jurisdictions and may not be well understood by non-Muslims or those unfamilar with Islamic Law. This is where a lawyer with expertise in Islamic Estate Law can offer valuable advice, facilitate the drafting of your will, and ensure that it respects both your personal wishes and complies with Sharia law.
As per the local law, the testator – the person making the will – must be over the age of puberty and must be of sound mind at the time of making the will. The will should explicitly detail who the beneficiaries are, what portion of the estate they are to receive and it must be witnessed by two people. Any amendments or cancellations made to the will must also be witnessed. Sharia laws also set out specific share percentages for legal heirs including wives, children and parents.
Any person who is of sound mind and has reached the age of majority can be a witness to the will.
If a person dies without a will in Saudi Arabia, the rules of intestacy will apply. This means that the inheritance will be distributed among the legal heirs in accordance with the Quranic shares.
Yes, up to one third of the estate can be bequeathed to non-heirs. This is subject to the condition that it doesn't interfere with the specific shares of the legal heirs.
All properties except for the one that is jointly owned can be included in a will. In the case of joint ownership, only the testator's share can be included.
No, as per local laws there are no taxes on inheritance in Saudi Arabia.
You may find the Ministry of Islamic Affairs helpful. They can provide in-depth details about Sharia Law and its implications for wills and testament. For specific legal information, it's advised to consult with a lawyer specializing in Islamic Estate Law in the Riyadh area.
If you decide to seek legal assistance for your Will & Testament, start by researching qualified lawyers in Riyadh who specialize in Islamic estate law. Prepare a list of all your assets and how you'd like to divide them among your beneficiaries. Your lawyer can guide you through the process, answering questions and ensuring your will complies with Saudi Arabian law. It is important to keep your will updated as per any changes in your relationships, financial situation, or local law.
