Wills Registration in ADJD

Expert Guidance for Drafting, Translating, and Registering Your Abu Dhabi Will Guardianship Provision | Personal Status Law | Expats
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Secure Inheritance | UAE Property Succession | Expats

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Abu Dhabi’s Most Trusted Online Will Platform for Expats

Juriszone is the UAE’s trusted online platform for creating legally valid wills. Our expert-vetted service ensures that your wishes are carried out. Creating a legal will in the UAE has always been challenging. Our online platform makes it simple to create one. We aim to help UAE residents plan their succession and become responsible.

Register wills in ADJD

Create your legally valid will with Juriszone and save time and money.

Expert-Approved Wills
All-Inclusive Will Solutions
Simplified Will Creation
Clear and Concise Documents
Dedicated Support
Affordable Wills

Our Services

Will Drafting and Registration
Probate Guidance
Estate Planning
Modification of Wills

How it works

We make it easy and quick.

  • Quick and Simple: Quick consultation to kick-start your journey.
  • Expert Drafts: Our experts create your will.
  • Review and Sign: Get your will in days and sign easily.
  • Easy Updates: Make changes anytime.

ADJD Wills Pricing

Full Single Will Service

Registration Fee (AED) : 950

Professional Fee (AED) : 3,500

Total Cost (AED)

4,450

Includes drafting in English with certified legal Arabic translation, covers the distribution of assets, the appointment of guardians and executors, unlimited free consultations, and online registration assistance.

Full Mirror Will Service

Registration Fee (AED) : 1,800

Professional Fee (AED) : 5,500

Total Cost (AED)

7,300

Includes all features of the Full Single Will Service, designed for couples with identical wishes, cost-effective option for spouses, and unlimited free consultations.

Additional Services for ADJD Wills

Service

Urgent Drafting Service

Turnaround time: 1 working day

Service

Executor Services

Appointment as co-executor upon request

ADJD Sample Wills

Legal Significance

What is an ADJD Will?

The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court operates under the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), established in 2018. It follows civil law jurisdiction and allows both Muslim and non-Muslim expats to manage asset succession and childcare provisions. ADJD Wills enable testators to distribute their assets according to their wishes, avoiding the automatic application of Sharia law, which is especially important for non-Muslims.

Legal Significance

Legal Framework

ADJD Wills are governed by Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, relating to Civil Transactions. These wills can cover assets located across all seven Emirates, making them a comprehensive solution for expats with diverse holdings in the country.

The service is cost-effective, flexible, and allows expats to ensure that their assets and guardianship decisions are executed in line with their preferences.

ADJD eligibility criteria

To be eligible for ADJD Wills,

The testator must be a Muslim or Non-Muslim expatriate in the UAE.

The testator must be at least 21 years old according to UAE law.

The testator should have assets in the UAE.

Benefits of Registering a Will in Abu Dhabi

Avoid Sharia Law And Choose Your Beneficiary

By registering a Will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), non-muslims do not need to follow UAE Sharia laws. Their assets will distributed among their wife, children, and other heirs. These heirs can be your parents, brothers, and sisters. You can draft a Will to apply your home country’s laws and choose specific beneficiaries.

1

Customizable Beneficiary Designation

A registered will empower individuals to tailor the distribution of their assets. You have the freedom to choose specific beneficiaries, You can include family members, friends, charities, or any other individuals or organizations you wish.

2

Appoint Guardians For Minor Children

ADJD Wills allows you to appoint guardians for your minor children. This ensures their future is secure by appointing trusted individuals, giving them peace of mind.

3

Smooth Asset Distribution and Avoiding Disputes

A well-drafted will makes things clear about asset distribution. This ADJD Will reduce the chances of family disagreements. It helps avoid long fights and ensures your assets go to the right people quickly and without any problems in a legal way

4

Bank Accounts Are Safe

The most important benefit of registering a Will in Abu Dhabi is that bank accounts remain safe. If someone dies, all his/her bank accounts (single or joint) are frozen. Their spouse cannot access money or property until the court issues an order. A clear Will can help your spouse manage everything more easily.

5

By registering a Will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), non-muslims do not need to follow UAE Sharia laws. Their assets will distributed among their wife, children, and other heirs. These heirs can be your parents, brothers, and sisters. You can draft a Will to apply your home country’s laws and choose specific beneficiaries.

A registered will empower individuals to tailor the distribution of their assets. You have the freedom to choose specific beneficiaries, You can include family members, friends, charities, or any other individuals or organizations you wish.

ADJD Wills allows you to appoint guardians for your minor children. This ensures their future is secure by appointing trusted individuals, giving them peace of mind.

A well-drafted will makes things clear about asset distribution. This ADJD Will reduce the chances of family disagreements. It helps avoid long fights and ensures your assets go to the right people quickly and without any problems in a legal way

The most important benefit of registering a Will in Abu Dhabi is that bank accounts remain safe. If someone dies, all his/her bank accounts (single or joint) are frozen. Their spouse cannot access money or property until the court issues an order. A clear Will can help your spouse manage everything more easily.

Types of Wills

There are two types of ADJD Wills.

Single Will Mirror Wills
Single Will is for individual testators. These wills are commonly for unmarried individuals. By registering a single will, the testator can distribute his/her assets before their death. Single wills are commonly for unmarried individuals. Mirror Wills are a type of joint will created by two people. These are typically for a married couple who have similar asset distribution plans. In mirror wills, all assets are distributed according to the wishes of both spouses, even if one dies before the other.

Fast and Easy Online Will Registration UAE

Testators can now register their wills without visiting the court. After registration, the ADJD emails the soft copy of the attested Will and can courier the will to the testator’s registered address upon request. This new process simplifies registration and provides immediate access to the registered Will. Even individuals living outside the UAE can use the virtual service to register their Wills if they own assets in the UAE.

The ADJD Will Registration Process

Here is a simple process for registration of a will in Abu Dhabi

Step 1

Initial Consultation and Requirements

We begin your Will registration journey with ADJD by scheduling a consultation to determine what is required for your specific situation. Juriszone will ensure your Will accurately reflects your wishes and complies with UAE laws

During this meeting, we:

  • Assess your personal circumstances and needs
  • Discuss your assets and distribution wishes
  • Explain legal requirements and our registration process
  • Advise on selecting executors, guardians, and beneficiaries
  • Outline necessary documentation
  • Address your questions and concerns

Step 2

Drafting the Will

A draft will be prepared after selecting Single or Mirror Wills. You will receive the draft Will(s) in English via email within 3 working days, or 1 working day for urgent requests. You can review and customize the drafts according to your personal and family needs.

Step 3

Reviewing and Amending Drafts

After receiving the draft Will(s), you can request any amendments to ensure accuracy and that it meets your legal standards. Once you approve the English draft(s), the next step is to arrange for the Arabic legal translation, which typically takes 2 working days.

Step 4

Translation and Legal Approval

The Arabic translation will be completed once you approve the English draft. The translated and signed drafts will then be submitted to the Abu Dhabi Wills Registry for approval, which takes 1 to 3 working days. The registration fee must be transferred to the court at this stage.

Step 5

Final Registration

After approval of the draft, an online registration appointment will be scheduled. An electronic copy of your signed Will should be uploaded to the ADJD portal. During the video conference call, your identity will be verified., Upon completion of the registration process, ADJD will provide you with scanned copies of the attested Will(s).

ADJD WILLS

How can we assist you with your ADJD wills?

Secure Storage

1

Your Will is securely stored, protecting it from loss, damage, or theft.

Easy Access for Beneficiaries

2

Beneficiaries can quickly and easily access the Will when needed, ensuring timely distribution of assets.

Electronic Backup

3

Wills are backed up electronically, they can be retrieved and replaced if lost or damaged.

Legal Compliance

4

We ensure your Will meets all legal requirements, even for complex estates or multiple jurisdictions, reducing the risk of disputes.

Key Considerations

Modification of Wills in Response to Life Changes

Updating Will:

Consider updating the will after a life event such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a change in the asset.

Legal Compliance:

Your will should be compliant with UAE and your home country’s laws.

Professional Guidance:

Get expert help drafting and registering your Will to ensure its validity and security.

Documents and Requirements for ADJD Wills in Abu Dhabi

Ready to begin? Schedule a free consultation with our experienced team. To get started with a DIFC Will, here’s what you need:

Documents

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your UAE residence visa or latest UAE entry stamp/visit visa
  • Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents)
  • The drafted Will in both English and Arabic

Requirements

  • The testator’s full name, nationality, and other relevant personal details
  • A list of assets to be covered by the Will, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
  • Details of the beneficiaries
  • Appointment of executor(s) to administer the estate
  • Guardianship details for minor children, if applicable

We’ll guide you through the ADJD Will registration with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Secure your future—contact us today to book your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

If someone dies without a will in Abu Dhabi, their assets are distributed according to Sharia law. Non-Muslims can choose their home country’s laws for asset distribution.

When someone passes away in the UAE, their bank account is immediately frozen. Until the UAE courts complete the probate process, it remains inaccessible.

Muslim and non-Muslim expatriates aged 21 or above, who have assets in the UAE, are eligible to register an ADJD Will.

The ADJD offers two types of Wills: Single Wills, for individual testators, and Mirror Wills, which are joint Wills typically for married couples

Yes, you can register an ADJD Will online, even from outside the UAE, if you own assets within the country. The entire process can be done remotely.

The process involves an initial consultation, drafting the Will, translating it into Arabic, submitting it for legal approval, and finalizing registration through an online appointment.