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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 — an inheritance file, an appointed administrator, and distribution under whichever law the court finds applicable. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, the default gives the spouse half and divides the rest equally among the children.

SRAG Wills prepares one plan across both homes — mapping UAE and home-country assets, explaining the default law, and drafting a will for registration with the DIFC Courts or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

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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We respond within one business day.

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 local court process — an inheritance file is opened, an administrator is appointed by the court, creditors are called, and distribution follows the applicable law — statutory civil shares, your home-country law where validly claimed, or UAE real-property and public-order rules. The court decides; timelines and outcomes are not within the family's control.

What are the civil statutory shares?

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, absent a will the spouse takes half and the other half is divided equally among the children, with no distinction between sons and daughters. Parents and siblings inherit under the fall-back rules. An heir may instead request the law applicable under the Civil Transactions Law — unless a registered will says otherwise.

Does my registered will cover my Dubai property?

UAE real property follows UAE law — Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 applies Emirate legislation where the estate relates to real property in the Emirate, and anything contradicting public order or morals is void while the rest of the will stands. Your will directs; property rules constrain. We draft with that boundary visible.

I hold several nationalities. Which law applies?

Where a testator has multiple nationalities, the applicable law follows the nationality specified at registration — or, if none is specified, the law of the country of residence or business base. This is a mechanical rule worth getting right at drafting, not at probate.

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

Honestly, only up to a line. Non-Muslims have clear registration routes; Muslims should take specialist advice on how their estate will be treated — we do not advise on Sharia shares. The DIFC Courts route is closed to Muslims by rule. Abu Dhabi's civil wills office states non-UAE nationals of any religion may register, but confirm eligibility for your case with a specialist.

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Drafting