Q: Dear Ms. Rajasree, I would like to seek your assistance in the processing of a succession certificate and the release of bank funds to the heirs of my deceased husband. My husband died in Dubai on October 5, 2020. The bank has confirmed that death benefits on loan insurance have been credited and is on freeze due to legal and court documents needed. I and my 3 children are currently in the Philippines. Kindly advise on how can we process all the documents needed? Thank you very much!

Q: I am a Hindu widow. My husband died recently. I have a son and a daughter. There are three situations where I request assistance: A) About a year ago, my husband had registered a commercial execution lawsuit against a company that owed him money. How can I continue the execution lawsuit? B) My husband had won a civil verdict but not yet registered the related civil execution lawsuit. How can I register the civil execution lawsuit? C) A company owes some money to my husband. They had issued a statement of account and an acknowledgment of debt, but they keep on refusing to pay and keep on asking for time. How to start a payment order lawsuit "Amr Ada" on the company when they issued an acknowledgment of debt letter to my husband? I only have a marriage certificate and a death certificate. Do I need some other certificates to prove that I am the heir? How will I attach the case to my username in Dubai courts system? My son and daughter are ready to give me any documents that I need from them.

Q: Hi, My husband passed away last May. The car is in his name. I have two girls above 21 years of age. What is the procedure to transfer the car to one of our names, please? Many thanks in advance!

Q: Can a Will that was made in the UK be applied in Dubai?

In 2016, Dubai introduced an exceptionally unique solution to entertain basic asset protection needs to Foreign Investors and Expat Residents living in Dubai. They can now be 100% sure their assets are fully protected against any problems that may arise because of the forced heirship system applied by the Sharia Regulations in the United Arab Emirates, or any other conflict between the religious laws of succession between the person and the state where he lives and invests.

The United Arab Emirates is a Sharia-Law country with respect to personal status and inheritance. In accordance with the UAE legislation, the UAE Courts will adhere to Sharia Law in a situation where there is no proper Will in place.

An interview-format article covering reasons why a non-Muslim expatriate should have a will in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. Ludmila sheds light in this article on the right time and place to start the procedure based on tested practices in the UAE.

A new civil personal status decree has been introduced in the emirate of Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. This personal status decree will be applicable for non-Muslim foreigners based in Abu Dhabi in matters of marriage, divorce, Will, inheritance, and custody of children.

Inheritance matters can be intricate, especially in a jurisdiction like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where local laws and international considerations intersect. Understanding the procedures to obtain a succession certificate or legal heir certificate is crucial for the rightful distribution of a deceased's assets.

UAE Personal Status Law (also known as Personal Affairs Law) governs marriage, divorce, inheritance and other personal affairs in the United Arab Emirates. The law equally applies to citizens of the UAE and non-citizens unless one of them asks for the application of his home country law.