Protecting your legacy and ensuring the seamless transition of assets requires a sophisticated legal framework. As a premier law firm based in Aspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, with full licensing to practice before the Dubai General Courts, DIFC Courts, and ADGM Courts, we provide comprehensive estate planning solutions tailored to the unique needs of expatriates and high-net-worth individuals in the UAE.
ADGM Wills: A Secure Framework for Estate Planning in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers a common-law-based jurisdiction that provides certainty, flexibility, and clarity for non-Muslims looking to secure their assets. Understanding ADGM wills registration requirements 2024 is essential for any resident or property owner seeking to avoid the default application of Sharia-based personal status laws to their estate.
Under the ADGM Wills and Estate Planning Regulations, individuals can register wills that cover assets specifically located within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi or, in certain circumstances, their global estate. Our Abu Dhabi wills lawyers specialize in navigating the interplay between ADGM regulations and the Abu Dhabi Personal Status Law to ensure your testamentary wishes are enforceable.
Abu Dhabi Wills Lawyers and Estate Planning Services
Our Private Client Department and dedicated Wills Registration Team offer bespoke ADGM estate planning services. We understand that succession planning is not just about asset distribution; it is about protecting your family’s future.
ADGM Wills Registration Requirements 2024
To register a will within the ADGM jurisdiction, certain criteria must be met:
- Eligibility: The testator must be a non-Muslim and at least 21 years of age.
- Formalities: The will must be in writing, signed in the presence of witnesses, and comply with the ADGM Probate Rules.
- Scope: The will can cover real estate, bank accounts, shares in companies, and other personal belongings.
- Guardianship: One of the most critical components of ADGM inheritance law for non-Muslims is the ability to appoint permanent and interim guardians for minor children residing in the UAE.
ADGM Inheritance Law for Non-Muslims
The ADGM framework is heavily influenced by the ADGM Application of English Law, meaning it adopts principles of equity and common law. This provides a familiar legal environment for international clients, ensuring that ADGM property inheritance and ADGM business succession are handled with the same rigor as in London, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
ADGM Probate and Estate Administration
Upon the passing of a testator, the ADGM probate process begins. This involves the ADGM Court validating the will and issuing a Grant of Probate to the executors named in the document.
ADGM Probate Administration Lawyers
As ADGM probate administration lawyers, we assist executors in:
- Filing the Application: Submitting the necessary petitions to the ADGM Courts.
- Asset Verification: Liaising with banks, the Abu Dhabi Land Department, and the Department of Economic Development.
- Debt Settlement: Ensuring all liabilities are cleared in accordance with the UAE Civil Code and ADGM regulations.
- Estate Distribution: Managing the ADGM estate distribution advisory to ensure beneficiaries receive their rightful shares without delay.
How Does ADGM Wills Work?
The process is streamlined through the ADGM Wills Service Centre. Once a will is drafted by our ADGM wills specialists, it is uploaded to the digital registry. This prevents the loss of physical documents and ensures that the Abu Dhabi succession planning experts can access the records immediately when probate is required.
ADGM Will Types and Succession Planning
Every client’s financial portfolio is different. We offer several ADGM will types to suit various needs:
- Full Will: Covering all assets (movable and immovable) and guardianship.
- Property Will: Specifically designed for real estate owners in Abu Dhabi.
- Guardianship Will: Focused solely on the protection of minor children.
- Business Succession Will: Tailored for shareholders in UAE-based LLCs or ADGM-registered entities.
ADGM business succession is particularly vital for entrepreneurs. Without a registered will, company shares may be frozen, leading to operational paralysis. Our team ensures that your business legacy continues uninterrupted through the ADGM estate administration framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary benefit of an ADGM Will?
An ADGM Will allows non-Muslims to opt out of the default local inheritance laws and apply common law principles to their estate. Our Abu Dhabi expat will lawyers draft these documents to ensure your assets are distributed exactly as you intend. Disclaimer: Legal advice is subject to the specific facts of each case. Relevant Law: ADGM Wills and Estate Planning Regulations.
2. Can I include guardianship in my ADGM Will?
Yes, ADGM guardianship provisions allow parents to nominate guardians for their minor children. Our role is to ensure these clauses meet the standards of the ADGM Court. Disclaimer: Courts always prioritize the best interests of the child. Relevant Law: UAE Personal Status Law.
3. Does an ADGM Will cover property in Dubai?
While ADGM primarily governs Abu Dhabi assets, we often coordinate with the DIFC Wills Service for Dubai-based assets. Our ADGM wills specialists provide a holistic view. Disclaimer: Jurisdictional limits apply. Relevant Law: Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Transactions Law).
4. What are the ADGM will costs?
Costs include registration fees paid to the ADGM Wills Service Centre and legal fees for drafting. We provide transparent pricing during your initial consultation at our Sheikh Zayed Road office. Disclaimer: Government fees are subject to change. Relevant Law: ADGM Court Fees.
5. How long does the ADGM probate process take?
Typically, probate can be granted within weeks if the documentation is in order. Our ADGM probate administration lawyers expedite this by liaising directly with the ADGM Court. Disclaimer: Timeline depends on asset complexity. Relevant Law: ADGM Probate Rules.
6. Can a will be contested in the ADGM?
Yes, but the grounds for contesting are limited under the ADGM Application of English Law principles. We provide ADGM estate distribution advisory to minimize litigation risk. Disclaimer: Litigation involves inherent risks. Relevant Law: ADGM Courts Procedure.
7. Is an ADGM Will valid for life?
A will remains valid unless revoked or replaced. We recommend a review every 3–5 years or after major life events. Disclaimer: Changes in law may affect older wills. Relevant Law: ADGM Wills Regulations.
8. What happens if I die without a will (Intestacy)?
If you die intestate, your assets are distributed according to the Abu Dhabi Personal Status Law, which may not align with your wishes. Disclaimer: Intestacy laws apply by default. Relevant Law: UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005.
9. Do I need to be a resident of Abu Dhabi?
No, you only need to own assets or have children residing in the UAE to utilize the ADGM registry. Our Abu Dhabi succession planning experts assist clients globally. Disclaimer: International tax implications may apply. Relevant Law: UAE Immigration Law.
10. How do I start the registration?
Contact our Wills Registration Team to schedule a consultation. We handle everything from drafting to the final appointment at the ADGM Wills Service Centre. Disclaimer: Registration requires physical or virtual presence. Relevant Law: ADGM Registration Procedures.
Overview
English
Our firm provides expert legal counsel for ADGM Wills and estate planning in Abu Dhabi. We assist expatriates in navigating the ADGM probate process, ensuring asset protection and guardianship for minor children through common-law-based regulations.
Arabic
يقدم مكتبنا استشارات قانونية متخصصة في تسجيل الوصايا في سوق أبوظبي العالمي (ADGM). نحن نساعد الوافدين في تنظيم التركات وحماية الأصول وتعيين الأوصياء على الأطفال القصر وفقاً للوائح سوق أبوظبي العالمي التي تعتمد مبادئ القانون العام، مما يضمن توزيع الثروة بشكل آمن وقانوني.
Spanish
Nuestra firma ofrece asesoramiento legal experto para testamentos de ADGM y planificación patrimonial en Abu Dhabi. Ayudamos a los expatriados a navegar el proceso sucesorio de ADGM, asegurando la protección de activos y la tutela de hijos menores.
French
Notre cabinet fournit des conseils juridiques experts pour les testaments ADGM et la planification successorale à Abu Dhabi. Nous aidons les expatriés à naviguer dans le processus de succession ADGM, garantissant la protection des actifs.
German
Unsere Kanzlei bietet kompetente Rechtsberatung für ADGM-Testamente und Nachlassplanung in Abu Dhabi. Wir unterstützen Expats bei der Abwicklung von ADGM-Nachlassverfahren und der Sicherung ihres Vermögens.
Italian
Il nostro studio offre consulenza legale esperta per i testamenti ADGM e la pianificazione successoria ad Abu Dhabi. Assistiamo gli espatriati nel processo di successione ADGM, garantendo la protezione dei beni.
Russian
Наша фирма предоставляет экспертные юридические консультации по вопросам завещаний ADGM и планирования наследства в Абу-Даби. Мы помогаем экспатриантам в процессе оформления наследства.
Ukrainian
Наша фірма надає експертні юридичні консультації щодо заповітів ADGM та планування спадщини в Абу-Дабі. Ми допомагаємо іноземцям у процесі оформлення спадщини в судах ADGM.
Portuguese
Nosso escritório oferece assessoria jurídica especializada para testamentos ADGM e planejamento sucessório em Abu Dhabi. Ajudamos expatriados a navegar no processo de inventário ADGM.
Chinese
本律所为阿布扎比 ADGM 遗嘱和遗产规划提供专业的法律服务。我们协助外籍人士办理 ADGM 遗嘱认证程序，确保资产受法律保护。
Persian
دفتر حقوقی ما خدمات تخصصی در زمینه تنظیم وصیتنامه در ADGM و برنامهریزی ارث در ابوظبی ارائه میدهد. ما به مهاجران در مراحل انحصار وراثت کمک میکنیم.
Hebrew
משרדנו מספק ייעוץ משפטי מומחה לצוואות ADGM ותכנון עיזבון באבו דאבי. אנו מסייעים לתושבים זרים בתהליך אישור הצוואה ב-ADGM.