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Expat Estate Planning Consultancy

Most expats hold assets in two countries, and without a registered will the UAE estate enters the court process — a court file, a possible administrator, and distribution under whichever law the court finds applicable. In Abu Dhabi, the default under Law No. 14 of 2021 gives the spouse half and divides the rest equally among the children, and heirs may claim the home-country law unless a registered will says otherwise.

SRAG Wills prepares one plan across both homes — mapping UAE and home-country assets, explaining the default law, and drafting a will ready for registration with the ADJD Civil Wills Section.

How the planning session works

Mapping your estate

You list what you own in the UAE and abroad — property, accounts, business shares, and policies.

Planning session

We talk through how each asset passes on, where your current papers fall short, and what one registered will can and cannot fix.

The plan in writing

You leave with your will drafted — or a clear written plan if more steps are needed first.

Disclaimer: SRAG Wills is a wills consultancy, not a law firm or government body. Registration is completed with the DIFC Courts Wills Service or ADJD; estate and inheritance cases are filed with the Dubai Courts.

Plan across both homes

Assets here and at home need one clear plan. We map it with you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I already have a will in my home country. Do I need one here?

A home-country will may not cover UAE assets smoothly. A will registered in the UAE speaks directly to the authorities here. We review your existing papers and advise — including where your home-country law can still be claimed for specific questions.

What happens to my UAE assets without a will?

The estate enters the court process — the Civil Family Court handles the file, an administrator can be appointed, and distribution follows the applicable law. Under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021's default rules, the spouse takes half and the children divide the rest equally. The court decides; timelines and outcomes are not within the family's control.

What are the default shares in Abu Dhabi?

Under Article 11 of Law No. 14 of 2021, absent a will the spouse takes half and the other half is divided equally among the children, with no distinction between sons and daughters. If there are no children, the parents inherit — or the surviving parent takes half and siblings the rest. Heirs may instead request the law of the deceased's home country — unless a registered will says otherwise.

Does my registered will cover my Abu Dhabi property?

Law No. 14 of 2021 applies to the wills and inheritances of the people it governs where the estate is present in the UAE — and anything contradicting public order or morals can be set aside while the rest of the will stands. Your will directs; property rules constrain. We draft with that boundary visible.

I am a Muslim expat. Can you plan my estate?

Honestly, only up to a line. The statute behind the ADJD civil wills route is written for non-Muslims, though ADJD's own office states that non-UAE citizens may register regardless of religion — the two statements do not fully agree. Confirm eligibility for your case with a specialist before relying on either.

What should I bring to the first meeting?

Your passport and Emirates ID, a list of what you own here and at home — property, accounts, business shares, policies — and the names of the people you would want to name. We confirm the exact list together.

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