Inheritance Law Firm Dubai
Inheritance Lawyers in Dubai | Protect Your Family and Your Assets
If you die without a will in Dubai, your bank accounts will be frozen, your family may not get what you wanted them to have, and the process can take months. Our inheritance lawyers in Dubai help you write a proper will, plan your estate, and handle inheritance disputes. We work with Muslims and non-Muslims, locals and expats. Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish speaking team.
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Quick Answer
What Happens to Your Assets in Dubai When You Die?
When someone dies in Dubai, their bank accounts are frozen immediately. Their assets cannot be transferred or accessed until the court completes the inheritance process.
If there is a valid registered will, the process is faster and your family gets what you intended. Without a will, the court applies UAE default inheritance rules, which may not match your wishes.
Q1
Are bank accounts frozen when someone dies in Dubai?
Yes. As soon as a UAE bank is notified of a customer’s death, it freezes all accounts in that person’s name. This includes joint accounts in most cases. Your family cannot access the money for daily expenses, rent, or school fees until a court order is obtained. A registered will speeds up this process significantly.
Q2
Does Sharia law apply to my estate in Dubai?
It depends on your religion. For Muslims, Sharia inheritance rules apply automatically under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024. For non-Muslims, Sharia no longer applies by default since February 2023 under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. Non-Muslim expats now have full freedom to decide who gets their UAE assets through a registered will.
Q3
What happens if I die in Dubai without a will?
Your bank accounts are frozen. Your assets cannot be accessed. The court applies the default inheritance rules which for non-Muslims under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of rules,is a 50 percent split to the spouse and 50 percent to children equally. Under the new Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024, if you die without a will and have no identifiable heirs, your UAE assets can ultimately be transferred to the state. Register a will today.
IS THIS YOUR SITUATION?
Is This Your Situation Right Now?
Inheritance matters are different for every family. Tell us which of these matches your situation, and we will tell you exactly what you need to do.
If any of these match your situation, contact our inheritance lawyers in Dubai today. Your consultation is completely confidential.
Why Leaders Advocates
Why Clients Choose Leaders Advocates for Inheritance and Wills
What We Handle
Inheritance and Wills Services Our Dubai Lawyers Handle
Every case gets a named lawyer from day one.
UNDERSTANDING INHERITANCE LAW IN DUBAI
Understanding Inheritance and Wills Laws in Dubai
Have questions about how Inheritance works for your specific situation?
Critical Section
Key Changes in UAE Inheritance Law You Need to Know
- DIFC wills now have stronger enforcement in Dubai courts under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, which took effect in March 2025.
- Since February 2023, Sharia law no longer applies by default to non-Muslim expats who die without a will. A different statutory formula applies instead.
- Non-Muslim expats now have full freedom to leave all their UAE assets to whoever they choose through a registered will.
- For Muslims, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 replaced the old 2005 Personal Status Law. The Sharia inheritance rules remain the same, but the procedural framework is clearer.
- Under Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024, if an expat dies without a will and has no identifiable heirs, their UAE assets may ultimately be transferred to a state-managed fund. This took effect in January 2026.
Not sure which inheritance law applies to your estate? Contact our inheritance lawyers in Dubai today. We explain it clearly in the first consultation and tell you exactly what you need to do to protect your assets and your family.
The Process
The Inheritance Process in Dubai, Step by Step
Initial Consultation
Which inheritance law applies, whether a will exists, and what your entitlement is. About one hour.
Estate File Opening
Filing the estate case at the Personal Status Court and identifying all heirs, assets and liabilities involved.
Document Collection & Verification
- Death certificate and official Arabic translations
- Asset ownership documents, property, bank accounts, shares
- Heir certificate application filed with the court
Court Hearings
We attend every hearing, present the estate details and resolve any disputes between heirs over entitlement or asset division.
Estate Distribution
Once the court issues its ruling, we oversee the transfer of assets to each heir according to the final judgment.
Dispute Resolution if Needed
If an heir contests the distribution or a claim is disputed, we represent you through mediation or further court proceedings.
Register a Will
Where Can You Register a Will in Dubai
There are three main places to register a will in Dubai. Each one has different benefits and different costs and is right for different situations. We advise you on which is best for your specific assets and family situation.
The DIFC Wills Service Centre is the most popular option for non-Muslim expats in Dubai. It allows you to register an English language will under common law principles. DIFC wills cover assets in Dubai and in the Northern Emirates. They are enforceable in Dubai courts and have stronger enforcement following Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025. Government registration fees start from AED 10,000 for a full will. DIFC wills are the best option for people with property in Dubai and those who want English-language common law certainty.
ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) wills are valid across all 7 UAE emirates, making them the most comprehensive option in terms of geographic coverage. They are available to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Government fees start from AED 950, and the process is fully online. ADJD wills are often the best value option for people who want nationwide UAE coverage at a lower cost than DIFC.
Dubai Courts also allows will registration for non-Muslims in Dubai. Government fees are approximately AED 2,020. Disputes arising from Dubai Courts wills are handled by Dubai Courts directly. This is a straightforward option for Dubai-based assets if DIFC or ADJD does not suit your specific circumstances.
Expats
Inheritance for Expats in Dubai
Most expats in Dubai have never registered a will here. Many assume their home country will take care of everything. This is one of the most expensive mistakes an expat in Dubai can make. Here is what you need to know.
- When you die in Dubai, your UAE bank accounts are frozen immediately. Even joint accounts. Your family cannot access the money for daily needs until a court order is obtained. This can take weeks to months.
- Your home country will does not automatically protect your UAE assets. UAE law governs what happens to property, bank accounts, and investments based in the UAE. You need a UAE-registered will for UAE assets.
- Since January 2026, under Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024, if an expat dies without a will and has no identifiable heirs, their UAE assets can ultimately be transferred to a state-managed fund. This is a new and serious risk for single expats without a will.
- Non-Muslim expats now have full freedom to leave their UAE assets to anyone. Your spouse, your children, a friend, a charity, whoever you choose. But this freedom only works if you register a will. Without one, the statutory default distribution applies.
- If you have assets in both the UAE and another country, you need an international estate plan. UAE inheritance rules apply to your UAE assets regardless of what your foreign will says about them.
- We handle inheritance planning for expats from India, Pakistan, the UK, Russia, the Philippines, Germany, South Africa, and many other countries. We work in your language and advise on both UAE law and the interaction with your home country assets.
What Happens to Your Family If You Die Without a Will in Dubai?
Your bank accounts are frozen. Your family cannot access money for rent, food, or school fees. Your property cannot be transferred. Your minor children may be assigned a temporary court-appointed guardian. The estate goes through a court process that can take 6 months to 2 years. And the people who receive your assets may not be the people you wanted. One registered will prevent all of this.
Sharia Inheritance
Sharia Inheritance Law in Dubai
Worried about how Sharia inheritance rules will affect your family? Contact us today. We explain exactly how the rules apply to your specific estate and show you what you can do to protect your family within what UAE law allows.
Inheritance Disputes
Common Inheritance Disputes We Handle in Dubai
Client Experience
What our Clients Say
FAQs
Questions Our Inheritance Lawyers In Dubai Get Asked Every Day
These are real questions from property owners, expats, families, and investors dealing with inheritance and wills in Dubai.
Do I need a will if I own property in Dubai?
Yes, strongly. Without a registered will, your UAE property cannot be transferred to your family until a court completes the inheritance process, which can take 6 months to 2 years. During this time the property is frozen, and your family may not be able to live in it, sell it or access funds tied to it. A registered will makes the process significantly faster and ensures your property goes to the person you choose.
Is my home country will valid in Dubai?
Your home country will not automatically be enforced in Dubai for UAE-based assets. UAE law governs what happens to property, bank accounts, and investments in the UAE. A will registered in your home country needs to be authenticated and recognized by UAE courts, which adds time and cost. The simplest solution is to register a UAE will specifically for your UAE assets.
How much does it cost to register a will in Dubai?
Government registration fees depend on where you register. ADJD will start from AED 950 and cover all 7 UAE emirates. Dubai Courts charges approximately AED 2,020. DIFC full wills start from AED 10,000 plus VAT. Professional legal fees for drafting and guiding you through the process are separate. We advise on all costs at the first consultation with no hidden charges.
Does Sharia law apply to my estate in Dubai if I am not Muslim?
Since February 2023, Sharia law no longer applies by default to non-Muslim expats who die without a will in Dubai. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, a statutory default formula now applies instead. This gives 50 percent to the spouse and 50 percent split equally among children. To override this default and leave your assets exactly as you wish, you need a registered will.
How long does inheritance take in Dubai courts?
With a registered will, the process is faster and more predictable. Straightforward estates with a will can be administered in 3 to 6 months. Without a will, the process takes 6 months to 2 years. depending on complexity, the number of heirs, disputes among family members, and whether assets are in multiple countries. We give you a realistic timeline at the first consultation.
Can I challenge a will in Dubai if I think it is unfair?
Yes. You can challenge a will if you believe it was made under pressure, if the person did not have mental capacity when they signed it, if it was forged or improperly witnessed, or if it conflicts with UAE inheritance law. Challenges are heard in Dubai courts and require evidence. We assess the strength of a will challenge at the first consultation.
A family member took money before the estate was distributed. What can I do?
This is a serious matter. If someone withdrew money from the deceased’s accounts, transferred property, or took valuable items before the estate was properly administered, you can file a claim in Dubai courts. We investigate, gather evidence, and take legal action to recover assets that belong to the estate and to the rightful heirs.
I have assets in Dubai and in another country. What do I do?
You likely need a will in each country where you have significant assets. UAE law governs your UAE assets and your home country law governs assets there. We advise on the UAE side of your international estate plan and can coordinate with lawyers in other jurisdictions. The goal is to make sure every asset goes to the right person without being trapped in court in any country.
Can I register a will in Dubai without being a UAE resident?
Yes. You do not have to be a UAE resident to register a will covering your UAE assets. If you own property in Dubai or have UAE bank accounts, you can register a UAE will even if you live in another country. We handle will registration for non-residents and advise on the right option depending on the type and location of your UAE assets.
What is the first thing I should do about my inheritance and estate in Dubai?
Contact an inheritance lawyer and get an honest assessment of your current situation. Tell us what assets you have in Dubai, whether you have any existing wills in any country, and what your family situation is. We will tell you exactly what you need, which will registration option is right for you, and what it will cost. Most people leave this first consultation surprised by how straightforward and affordable proper estate planning is.
Protect Your Family and Your Assets Today
Whether you need to write a will, plan your estate, resolve an inheritance dispute or administer an estate after a loved one has died, our inheritance lawyers in Dubai are ready to help. Do not leave your family unprotected. Your consultation is completely confidential.