Passing away without a will may lead to legal steps that do not match your personal choices. In Dubai, the process often follows local laws, which might not reflect your wishes. Family members might also face delays in sorting out assets or guardianship matters. Preparing in advance reduces these chances. Services like Just Wills Dubai provide guidance on how to make clear and valid instructions for the future.
Local law takes over:
If someone dies without a will in Dubai, the local courts follow Sharia law. This legal system follows specific rules for dividing a person’s estate. These rules may not match what the person would have wanted. For example, assets might be distributed in fixed shares among family members, with no flexibility for special requests.
Property distribution is fixed:
Under Sharia law, property is shared between family members in a set pattern. This usually means a portion goes to the spouse, children, and parents. Non-family members or friends are usually not included. Even if a person expressed wishes verbally, they are not accepted unless written in a valid will.
Bank accounts may be frozen:
When a person passes away without a will, their bank accounts may be frozen until the court finishes the inheritance process. This may make it hard for family members to access money for daily expenses or funeral costs. The process to unlock funds may take time and involve multiple documents.
Guardianship of children is not automatically assigned:
For expats with young children, not having a will may result in delays in appointing a guardian. Local authorities may step in and make decisions, which might not reflect the family’s wishes. This may lead to temporary care arrangements while the courts decide on long-term guardianship.
Legal process can take longer:
Without a written will, families may have to go through extra steps in court. They may want to provide more paperwork, translations, and evidence. This makes the process longer and adds pressure during an already difficult time. In some cases, it may also lead to disagreements between relatives.
No control over personal wishes:
Without a valid will, any special instructions related to funeral arrangements, personal belongings, or charities are not considered. The court focuses only on the legal process, not on personal requests that were not recorded officially.
