When and How Should You Update Your Will in the UAE?

Creating a Will in the UAE is a powerful act of responsibility, but creating it is only half the job. Life moves fast. Circumstances change. And your Will? It needs to keep up. If you’re living in the UAE and have already created your Will, you’re ahead of the game. But the real question is: Have you updated your UAE Will recently?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through when and how you should update your Will in the UAE, making sure your wishes stay current, your assets stay protected, and your loved ones stay secure.

Why Updating Your Will Matters

A Will is not a one-time document. It’s a living reflection of your life and intentions. Over time, your assets may grow, your relationships may evolve, and your priorities might shift. If your UAE Will doesn’t reflect those changes, it could result in:

• Outdated beneficiaries
• Missed assets
• Legal complications for your family
• Unintended distributions

Especially in the UAE, where the laws concerning inheritance for expatriates can be complex and nuanced, it’s critical to ensure your Will in the UAE is up to date and compliant with current regulations.

Key Moments When You Should Revisit Your Will

If you’re wondering how often to review your UAE Will, the answer isn’t tied to the calendar, it’s tied to life events. Below are the most common situations when an update is not just recommended but necessary:

1. Marriage or Divorce

Getting married or divorced changes your legal status and family structure. In most jurisdictions, including the UAE, these events can impact your Will significantly. If you’ve recently married or ended a marriage, it’s time to review:

• Who’s listed as your primary beneficiary
• Whether your spouse or ex-spouse is still included
• Guardianship decisions for children

2. The Birth (or Adoption) of a Child

Your Will in the UAE should clearly state who will inherit your estate and who would become the legal guardian of your minor children, should anything happen to you. If you’ve recently welcomed a child into your life, update your Will to reflect:

• Custody and guardianship appointments
• Asset allocation for the child
• Any trust structures you want to set up

3. Buying or Selling Assets

Whether it’s real estate in Dubai, a new business, or investments abroad, new assets need to be accounted for. On the flip side, if you’ve sold a property or closed a business, remove those from your UAE Will to avoid confusion or legal hurdles during probate.

4. Loss of a Beneficiary or Executor

If someone named in your Will, such as a beneficiary, executor, or guardian, has passed away or is no longer suitable for the role, your UAE Will must be updated. It’s crucial to name alternates as backups.

5. Change in UAE Laws or Regulations

The UAE has made progressive changes in personal status and inheritance laws, particularly for non-Muslim expatriates. If legal reforms occur that affect how your estate would be handled, your Will in the UAE might need to be amended to align with these updates.

How Often Should You Review Your Will?

Even if no major life changes have occurred, it’s wise to review your UAE Will every 2 to 3 years. This ensures that your document is still legally sound and aligned with your current intentions.

How to Update Your Will in the UAE

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update your Will in the UAE with minimal hassle and maximum legal clarity:

1. Revisit Your Existing Will

Start by reviewing your current UAE Will. Make a list of the changes you want—new assets, updated beneficiaries, revised guardianship, or any legal roles that need replacement.

2. Decide Between a Codicil or a New Will

You have two options:

• Codicil: A legal amendment to your existing Will. Best for minor changes.
• New Will: Recommended for major changes in relationships, assets, or legal structure.

In many cases, creating a new UAE Will is cleaner and avoids confusion. A new Will also revokes the old one, ensuring there’s no legal ambiguity.

3. Consult a Legal Expert

Wills are not a DIY project, especially in the UAE, where different jurisdictions like DIFC, ADJD, and Dubai Courts operate under distinct procedures. A legal expert ensures that your updated UAE Will is:

• Drafted correctly
• Registered in the right jurisdiction
• Valid for your nationality and religion
• Enforceable under UAE laws

At Legal Inz, our experts help you identify the best route, be it DIFC for common law Wills or ADJD for civil law Wills, and ensure your UAE Wills are legally sound and up to date.

4. Register the Updated Will

After making changes to your Will, whether by amendment or by drafting a new one, it is important to ensure the updated version is properly registered with the relevant authority. The process differs depending on the jurisdiction:

• DIFC Wills Service Centre

DIFC allows formal amendments to an existing registered Will.
The government fee for each amendment is AED 550.

• Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

ADJD treats any amendment as a complete re-registration of the Will. The full government registration fee of AED 950 must be paid again.

Some jurisdictions may also require the updated Will to be notarized before registration.

Remember: An unregistered UAE Will won’t be recognized or enforced in UAE courts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming one Will covers all countries: Different countries have different inheritance laws. You may need separate Wills for different jurisdictions.
• Failing to inform family members: While not legally required, it’s wise to inform your loved ones where your UAE Will is stored and who your executors are.
• Not updating power of attorney documents: Wills and POAs should go hand-in-hand. While a POA becomes void upon death, reviewing both ensures your entire estate and legal framework are properly aligned during your life and after.

Final Thoughts

Updating your Will in the UAE isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about planning for life’s changes. It’s about ensuring peace of mind for you and protection for those you love.
At Legal Inz, we make the process easy, efficient, and tailored to your life in the UAE. Whether you’re newly married, a first-time parent, or just want to review your current UAE Will, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Not sure if your Will needs an update?

Contact Legal Inz today for a detailed review and expert guidance on whether a revision is necessary.
Secure your legacy with confidence. Update your UAE Will with trusted professionals by your side.