For Muslims & non-MuslimsWill drafting in the UAE · Muslims & non-Muslims
Draft Your Will in the UAE, With an Advisor at Your Side
Find out exactly what you need in your will, even if you're not familiar with local law. Our advisors work with you past court registration, so your assets, family and wishes are protected and legally recognised when it matters the most.
A 1-1 session with a will and inheritance advisor. No obligation, and no payment is taken.
Trusted by 13,000+ families across the UAE since 2005
Without a Will, UAE Law Decides.
Not You.
If you pass away in the UAE without a registered will, your bank accounts are instantly frozen while local law decides how your assets are distributed and who cares for your children. Here is what that means in practice.
Without a registered will
- Your assets, not limited to properties, may be distributed in an unfavourable manner.
- Local authorities may decide the guardianship of your children.
- Bank accounts can remain blocked indefinitely.
- Assets in your home country are distributed according to local laws.
With a will registered by Just Wills
- Your assets pass to the people you choose, exactly as your will sets out.
- You appoint your children's temporary and permanent guardians.
- Bank accounts are unblocked by the courts and released per your wishes.
- Overseas assets can be included in one registered will.
Overseas assets remain subject to your home country laws.
Court options
Which court is right for you?
We handle Will drafting and registration through all three legally recognized UAE courts.
Abu Dhabi (ADJD)
Muslims & Non-Muslims- Registration
- Online only
- Court fee
- AED 950+ AED 550 legalisation stamp
- Language
- Arabic & English
Dubai Notary
Non-Muslims only- Registration
- Online only
- Court fee
- AED 3,000
- Language
- Arabic & English
DIFC Courts
Non-Muslims only- Registration
- Online only
- Court fee
- AED 10,000 / 15,000single / mirror will
- Language
- English only
Note: these are court registration fees only.
Your free consultation will help you choose the right option for your situation.
One Advisor, From First Call to Final Registration
13,000+ wills drafted since 2005. Registering the will is the start of what we do, not the end of it.
- 01
One advisor, start to finish
The expert legal will advisor who conducts your free consultation is the same person who drafts your will and manages your court registration if you decide to proceed.
- 02
Muslim and non-Muslim wills
Muslims register at the Abu Dhabi Courts, where full Shariah distribution is optional and terms can be amended to your wishes. Non-Muslims can use any of the three routes.
- 03
Post-death legal support for your family
Our legal experts guide your family through every complication after your passing, so the process stays clear and stress-free at the hardest time.
- 04
Global asset protection support
We help structure your will to include overseas property, accounts and investments where applicable. Your advisor maps what you own across borders and sets out how each asset is covered, subject to your home country laws.
The founder
Registered the UAE’s first wills at both Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts.
Mohammad Marria helped establish the will-registration process the UAE relies on today. That groundwork sits behind every will we draft. More than 13,000 since 2005.
In 2008, we became the first in the UAE to address the gap around guardianship by introducing interim guardians, giving parents peace of mind that their children will be protected, even if permanent guardians live overseas.
We Handle the Legal Process From Start to Finish
Whichever court fits your situation, your advisor carries the process. You make the decisions; we do the work.
- Step 01
Free consultation
A 1-1 session on Zoom or at our Dubai or Abu Dhabi offices. Your advisor maps your family and asset situation, recommends the right court, and tells you exactly what your will should cover.
- Step 02
A fixed quote, then drafting
After the consultation you receive a fixed quote. If you proceed, your advisor prepares the will and you review and approve every clause before anything is submitted.
- Step 03
Court registration
We prepare the registration paperwork and coordinate submission with your chosen court until your will is registered.
- Step 04
When the time comes
Our work does not stop at registration. Our legal team guides your family through probate and every step that follows, so they are never left to face the process alone.
You Don't Need to Have It All Figured Out
Most people put this off because the decisions feel heavy and complicated: who looks after your children, overseas property, who receives what. You don't need to have it all figured out. Your advisor helps you decide what you need, based on your life, your assets, and your family.
Testimonials
What our clients say about us.
Real stories from people who have secured their wills with us.
I was referred to Just Wills (UAE) by the biggest personal financial advisory firm in the UAE and one of the most prominent regional banks in the UAE. I can now see why! Mohammad Marria is extremely conversant with Shariah law and the formalities involved in expediting a Will in the UAE. Just Wills' service is second to none. As an expat, I now have peace of mind knowing my family's future is safeguarded.
I would highly recommend Mohammad's expert advice on estate planning. All too often we overlook this vital area, especially those of us living in the UAE. It's very important to have all these documents in place and up to date at all times, and I can personally recommend Mohammad and his company for a complete professional package.
It was nice working with you and I appreciate your professionalism and straightforward attitude. I am very pleased with the outcome and will recommend you to as many friends as I can.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
The things expats ask us most before drafting their will.
How much does it cost?
Court registration fees are fixed by each court: AED 1,500 at Abu Dhabi (ADJD), AED 3,000 at Dubai Notary, and AED 10,000 / 15,000 at DIFC. Just Wills' own fee depends on your situation, so it is quoted as a fixed figure after your free consultation. There is no obligation, and no payment is taken in the session.
Who will I actually speak to?
An expert legal will advisor. The same advisor who conducts your free consultation handles your drafting and court registration from start to finish if you decide to proceed.
Can I do this fully online, or from outside the UAE?
Yes. Consultations run on Zoom or in person, and registration is completed online at all three courts. Non-residents are welcome; the form asks your residency status so your advisor can prepare accordingly.
I am Muslim. Do I have to follow full Shariah distribution?
No. Muslims register their wills at the Abu Dhabi Courts (ADJD), and full Shariah distribution is optional. Your advisor can structure the terms fully to Shariah, partly adjusted, or entirely to your own wishes.
Can my will cover assets outside the UAE?
Yes. Your advisor structures the will to include overseas property and accounts where applicable, subject to the laws of the country where those assets are held.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on the court, your assets, and your family situation, so we do not give a one-size-fits-all number. In your free consultation, your advisor maps your case and gives you a realistic timeline for your chosen court before you commit to anything.
I already have a will in my home country. Do I still need one here?
Bring it to your consultation. Your advisor will review how it interacts with UAE succession rules and advise whether a UAE-registered will is needed to protect your assets and guardianship wishes here.
What happens after I submit the form?
Your advisor contacts you to schedule your free 1-1 consultation, on Zoom or in person at our Dubai or Abu Dhabi offices. No obligation, and no payment is taken in the session.
Start with a free Will drafting consultation.
A 1-1 session with an expert legal will advisor, on Zoom or in person at our Dubai or Abu Dhabi offices. Your advisor helps you understand what to include in your will, choose the right court, and make sure your wishes are carried out.