Family Office and HNW

The Perils of Intestacy in the UAE

For international and founder-led clients operating in the Middle East, the absence of a UAE-registered will can lead to catastrophic delays and the freezing of assets.

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The Reality of Dying Intestate (Without a Will):

  • Asset Freeze : Upon death, UAE bank accounts (including joint accounts) and company shares are typically frozen. This can prevent businesses from functioning and families from accessing vital funds
  • Lengthy Probate : Without a will, families face a 10 to 12-month court process where onshore courts must decide the heirs and apportion the estate
  • Guardianship Uncertainty : For families with minor children, the lack of a registered will means the court (not the parents) may decide on the legal guardian

The Solution:

A Registered UAE Will A registered will provides certainty and speed, reducing the transfer of wealth process to approximately 3 to 4 months

It bypasses the need for courts to "decide" on heirs, as the distribution is already formalised under the document.

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