Advocate Anjana Bhatia D.I is an accomplished Indian Lawyer practicing in India and the UAE. With over 25 years of experience in Law – Litigation, Corporate, Civil, Criminal, Mediation as well as registered with DIFC Wills and Probate Registry, She provides legal solutions to clients globally with strategic results.
She speaks EXCLUSIVELY to Emirates Reporter on : How To Register a WILL in UAE?
ER: Why should one register a Will?
ADV. ANJANA: A registered Will ensures UAE inheritance laws does not apply for the expatriates living in UAE; non- Muslims assets are distributed as per the last wish of the deceased. It enables them to appoint executors, designate beneficiaries, specify guardians for minor children, providing clarity and security in estate planning within UAE.
ER: What is the DIFC Wills & Probate Registry?
ADV. ANJANA: The DIFC Wills & Probate Registry, established under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, provides non- Muslims in the UAE to register Wills. The DIFC Courts ensures legal enforcement through structured probate process.
ER: Different kinds of Wills for Assets? What kinds of assets can be covered in a DIFC Full Will?
ADV. ANJANA: The DIFC Courts provide several types of Wills: a Full Will (covers all assets &/ or guardianship of minors), Property Will (up to five UAE properties), Financial Assets Will (bank accounts and investments), Business Owners Will (business interests), and Digital Assets Will (crypto currencies and online assets). A Full Will is ideal for comprehensive coverage.
ER: When is the Will enforced and what is the process under DIFC?
ADV. ANJANA: A DIFC Will is enforced after the testator’s death through probate. The executor applies to the DIFC Courts for a Grant of Probate, confirming the Will’s validity. The Probate allows executor to settle debts and distribute the estate to beneficiaries. The Court oversees compliance with the Registry Rules.
ER: What happens to a registered Will if the person later gets divorced?
ADV. ANJANA: Divorce automatically revokes the ex-spouse appointments in the registered Will as if the ex-spouse had predeceased the testator. The rest of the Will remains valid, though it is advisable to review and amend it immediately after divorce.
ER: Does a Will need to be amended if the person gets married after it has been registered?
ADV. ANJANA: The marriage automatically revokes the existing Will unless states in contemplation of the marriage. One must ensure the Will remains valid and reflects the individual’s intentions post-marriage. Advisable to amend or create a new Will after marriage and register it.
“The above is a general overview; outcomes differ from case to case and are subject to the discretion of the concerned authorities.”
ADVOCATE ANJANA BHATIA D.I CAN BE CONTACTED AT-
+971505944896 & +971555944896
anjana.law@gmail.com
