Our Estate Planning Services

We support clients at every stage, from structuring their estate to drafting, registering, and safeguarding Wills and succession arrangements. We provide tailored estate planning and Will drafting for Muslim and Non-Muslim expatriates under the most prominent jurisdictions like:

• Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Civil Wills
• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Wills Service

1. ADJD Civil Wills (Abu Dhabi – Civil Jurisdiction)

– Advising on eligibility and strategic suitability of ADJD Wills
– Drafting comprehensive Wills covering movable and immovable property across the UAE
– End-to-end online registration at the ADJD Registry
– Guidance on guardianship clauses for minor children
– Assistance throughout the entire process until you receive the registered Will.

2. DIFC Wills (Dubai International Financial Centre – Common Law Jurisdiction)

– Advising on eligibility and strategic suitability of DIFC Wills
– Providing advice on cross-border estate implications
– Preparing online signing appointments and witness coordination
– Filing and registry representation before the DIFC Wills Service Center
– Amendments, updates, and enforcement support where needed.

Our Process

At ATB Legal, we believe estate planning should be straightforward, transparent, and fully aligned with your personal and family goals. Our structured process ensures that every Will and succession plan we prepare is both legally sound and personally meaningful.

1. Consultation & Asset Review

• Every engagement begins with a comprehensive consultation where we understand your family structure, financial goals, and the assets you wish to protect.
• We help you map your entire estate, including real estate, business holdings, bank accounts, investments, and international assets, and identify potential challenges such as cross-border ownership, guardianship needs, or tax implications.
• This initial step allows us to create a clear picture of your estate and design a plan that addresses every detail before drafting begins.

2. Jurisdiction Selection Strategy

• The UAE offers multiple legal avenues for Will registration, like DIFC and ADJD, each with its own procedures and advantages.
• We advise on the most suitable jurisdiction based on your nationality, religion, residency status, and the type and location of your assets.
• Our team explains the legal implications in simple terms, helping you make an informed decision that maximises enforceability, efficiency, and alignment with your personal preferences.

3. Drafting & Legal Review

• Once the strategy is finalised, we carefully draft your Will to reflect your wishes with precision and clarity.
• Our lawyers ensure that every clause, from executor appointments and asset distribution to guardianship and business succession, complies with the chosen legal framework.
• We also conduct a detailed legal review to avoid ambiguity, conflict, or future disputes, giving you complete confidence that your Will will stand up to scrutiny when needed most.

4. Registration & Execution

• After final approval, we guide you through the registration process in the chosen jurisdiction, whether at the DIFC Wills Service Centre or ADJD Civil Family Court.
• We handle all formalities, including appointment scheduling, document verification, and witness coordination.
• Our team ensures a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish, so your Will is legally valid and enforceable in the UAE and beyond.

5. Ongoing Support

• Estate planning is not a one-time event. Life circumstances, family structures, and asset portfolios evolve, and so should your Will.
• We offer continuous support to update, amend, or revoke Wills as your needs change. Whether you acquire new assets, start a business, or relocate, our lawyers are available to ensure your estate plan always remains accurate and effective.
• We also assist with probate, enforcement, and estate administration when required, providing continuity and peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

In Short, Our End-to-End Estate Planning Solutions

Our team of skilled lawyers delivers full support through all stages of the estate planning journey, offering:

• Initial strategy, consultation, and asset review
• Personal estate structuring and risk evaluation
• Drafting of comprehensive Wills for movable and immovable assets
• Guardianship and minor protection planning
• Registration and execution in ADJD or DIFC
• Succession planning for business owners and entrepreneurs
• Formation of holding entities, foundations, and trusts where needed
• Amendments, updates, and enforcement guidance

Tailored Solutions for Each Client

Every family and legacy is unique. We take a personalized approach, whether you are an individual, high-net-worth family, or business owner, to ensure your estate objectives and risks are fully addressed.