Questions & Answers
Is it possible to apply a will issued in South Africa in the UAE?
Dear questioner,
My father (Muslim) has passed away in South Africa. He leaves behind 4 children, his wife (our mother) and his own mother.
He had a will for South Africa in which, I (oldest son) am executor. The will does state that it encompasses all property and assets wherever they may be.
He has various properties and assets in the UAE. My questions are:
1. Does his will have power in the UAE or will it be divided by Sharia?
2. What documents are required to wind up his estate?
3. What is the wind-up process within the UAE?
Dear questioner,
1. The will will not be applicable in the UAE and it will be governed by Sharia law.
2. You will require an inheritance certificate and then the properties will be dispersed to the legal heirs and then they can sell it. If there is a company, then the proper liquidation process has to be applied.
Kindly contact us via email if you require further assistance.
Dear questioner,
Yes, his will is enforceable in the UAE but under Shariah limits. The will may not exceed one-third of the gross heritage, except if heirs approve of that.
The documents needed are his death certificate, passport, ownership deeds in the UAE, declaration of inheritance, and a power of attorney on behalf of you as the executor.
All documents must be duly attested by the relevant ministries in South Africa and the UAE embassy over there.
For more information, please contact us on WhatsApp.
Dear questioner,
We need to review the will left by your father so that we can answer all your questions and assist you properly.
Kindly contact us directly for a detailed discussion
If need be, kindly contact us via phone for a detailed discussion or write us an email for further assistance.
