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In Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, creating a Will & Testament is considered a crucial part of estate planning. Should something unfortunate happen to the testator (maker of the will), a legally sound and clear will ensures that their assets and wealth are appropriately distributed to chosen beneficiaries. Wills are governed under Sharjah, and UAE law broadly, by Civil Transaction Law, Personal Status Law, and the directives of specific free zones like DIFC.
Engaging a lawyer can be beneficial for several reasons. They have in-depth knowledge of local laws and legal protocols relating to Will & Testament, which many people may not be familiar with, significantly when involving assets and beneficiaries spanning different countries. Lawyers can ensure that your will is drafted accurately and legally sound to avoid any future disputes or challenges. They can also provide you with valuable legal advice on managing your estate, reducing liabilities, and tax planning. Situations where people often need a lawyer include complex family situations, substantial financial worth, or when they own a business.
In the Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Sharia law traditionally influences the inheritance and succession rules, under which the property is distributed among family members based on specific predetermined shares. However, expatriates can draft a Will & Testament specifying how they wish their assets to be distributed, and as per a recent order from the UAE courts, it can be applied without resorting to Sharia law. Notably, free zones like DIFC have their own independent laws that allow for a non-Muslim will. It is highly recommended to get a professional legal opinion on drafting a will, owing to the complexities of local laws.
If a person dies without a Will in Sharjah, the local courts will follow Sharia law for wealth distribution, unless there's a valid will registered in the country of origin that the UAE courts can respect.
Yes, non-Muslim expatriates can create a Will in Sharjah. Thanks to the recent amendments, they can now have their assets distributed according to their will, rather than by Sharia law. They can also choose which law should apply.
You can include all your assets in your Will, such as real estate properties, shares, bank accounts and any other assets you own in the UAE.
Yes, while the Will can be written in any language, it is typically required to be officially translated into Arabic to be considered legally valid in the UAE. The translation must also be notarized.
Yes, you can appoint a temporary guardian in your Will. However, the final decision on guardianship will always be at the discretion of the UAE courts.
The official UAE government website provides extensive information about the legal aspects of a Will & Testament. Not-for-profit organizations like the UAE Legal Network also offer valuable advice. Moreover, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) maintains a comprehensive database about the Wills and Probate Registry.
If you require legal assistance regarding a Will & Testament, it's advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in inheritance, wills, and estate planning in the UAE. Do some research and gather the necessary documents relating to your assets. Ensure the legal professional you approach is experienced with the laws specific to Sharjah or relevant free zones for best-suited advice.
