.svg)
Wills & Estate Planning Lawyers in Dubai
Wills & Estate Planning
- Drafting wills compliant with UAE law and recognised courts
- Advisory for Muslim and non-Muslim clients
- Structuring asset distribution in line with personal wishes
- Planning for guardianship of minor children
.avif){kind=icon}
Registration & Probate Frameworks
- Registration of both DIFC and ADJD wills
- Advisory on applicable succession regimes and Sharia implications
- Probate and inheritance process guidance
- Coordination with the relevant authorities
.avif){kind=icon}
Transfers & Administration
- Estate administration following demise
- Transfer of real estate, bank accounts, and financial assets
- Cross-border estate coordination and asset transfers
- Liaison with banks, land departments, and authorities
.avif){kind=icon}
Inheritance Disputes
- Inheritance and succession dispute resolution
- Contesting or defending wills
- Mediation and negotiated family settlements
- Legal counsel in court proceedings
Discover more practice areas we specialize in
How our legal process works
Initial review and introductory call
Consultation and legal evaluation
Strategic direction
Implementation and representation
Resolution and ongoing counsel
Why clients rely on LYLAW
These days AI may help you along and define what you really need in dispute resolution or settlements but if you want a professional legal opinion then LyLawyers is the place to go. Generic AI is generic and my case is not generic , we are all individuals. Any doubt that you may have in your mind needs assurance. And that is what I got from LyLawyers. Review / direction / assurance.Without going into the details of my case , I received exactly what you expect from a professional , well organized legal firm at a very decent value.
Amazing team, very professional!
I needed an experienced English speaking Dubai based lawyer dealing with UAE labour and immigration law. I was not disappointed!!! Ludmila knows her stuff!!! I will be using this company in the future and would recommend them to everyone.
Very professional, knowledgeable and organized. Thanks!
Great service, easy accessible, always happy to help, massive experience. Thank you
Fantastic experience with Ludmila Yamalova and Anna. Well prepared, practical and straight to the point. Clear, no-nonsense advice and guidance when I needed it most. Highly recommended. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again, though I hope I won’t need to.
Very good service. Prompt and efficient.
Excellent value for legal advice. Ludmila is incredibly well versed on UAE law and implementation. I've worked with various law firms, including large local and global brands here, and have not found one that is more knowledgeable than her.
Our experience was an entirely professional and knowledgeable service on corporate structures and commercial issues we were facing. The service was comprehensive, well informed and we can recommend without hesitation.
This is a firm that is progressive in the way they think and handle matters. They understood my needs immediately.
Super lovely company and very professional for its caliber. I check out their IG and TikTok pages and get a lot of helpful information when it comes to legal/illegal activities in the UAE. Keep up the great work!
I had a great experience with this firm. I felt very taken care of during the whole time of our collaboration. In case of need I will certainly work with them again.
Very knowledgeable and compassionate firm. Their expertise on UAE law is unmatched and their professionalism is top notch. I really appreciate how they keep clients informed at all stages of their case.
Ludmila is a fantastic lawyer, she is very dedicated and has great knowledge of UAE local laws. I would strongly recommend her and her team’s services and legal advice.
Ludmila Yamalova and her team have provided excellent legal support to me, and a number of my company's clients. They are professional, knowledgeable and practical.
Ludmila is very professional and competent. Able to explain clearly on how the issues can be resolved . She also suggests the best way forward . Very pleasant personality as well.
Excellent experience. All of my questions answered and good advice given. I was a little wary of the time going over but that was not a worry. Personable and friendly. Would definitely recommend.
Quick response after enquiry and meeting was setup shortly after. Enlightening session with Ludmila. Thank you for your assistance.
Ludmila and her team are incredibly knowledagble, supportive, and easy to work with. They simplify matters that seem complex, and add a human touch to everything they do. I highly recommend them!
Responsiveness, sincerity and openness are what you will be met with here. I am very satisfied and I advise everyone to seek legal help. Very competent and professional. They helped us effectively resolve our issue.
Discover our Dubai location
Join Us Today and Get Expert Legal Guidance You Can Trust
Do I need a will if I live or hold assets in Dubai?
A registered will is the only reliable way to control how your UAE assets are distributed and this applies to anyone holding assets in the UAE, not only expat residents. You do not need UAE residency. If you own property, shares, bank accounts, or other assets here, a registered will lets you direct their distribution. Without one, your estate may follow default succession rules that do not match your intentions, potentially affecting how assets pass to your spouse and children. A registered will lets you decide distribution, name guardians for minor children, and protect specific beneficiaries. Registration routes include the DIFC Wills Service Centre and Dubai Courts; the right option depends on your assets, nationality, and personal status.
What happens if someone passes away in the UAE without a will?
UAE inheritance laws apply by default, which may include Sharia principles and fixed shares in certain cases. This can lead to court involvement and outcomes that differ from what the deceased intended. Bank accounts and assets may also be frozen until the matter is resolved, which can leave dependents without access. LYLAW advises families through the process, including establishing entitlements, court procedures, and releasing assets.
Can both non-Muslims and Muslims make wills in Dubai?
Yes, though the legal framework differs. Non-Muslims can structure wills to distribute their estates according to their wishes and override default inheritance rules. Muslims may also make wills, though they generally operate within Sharia inheritance principles and fixed-share rules governing how much may be allocated by will versus fixed heirs. LYLAW drafts and registers wills through the DIFC Wills Service for non-Muslims across the UAE, ADJD for non-Muslim wills in Abu Dhabi, and local courts at the emirate level, including Dubai Courts.
How can a lawyer help prevent inheritance disputes in the UAE?
A lawyer helps prevent inheritance disputes in the UAE by closing the gaps that cause them: ambiguity, unenforceability, and non-compliance. Clear drafting removes vague wording that leads to interpretation disputes between heirs. Proper registration through the DIFC Wills Service Centre, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), or the local courts makes a will legally enforceable rather than merely written, while full compliance with UAE legal requirements prevents challenges to its validity. A lawyer also structures cross-border assets to avoid conflicts between UAE and foreign succession laws, and clarifies guardianship arrangements for minor children. Most disputes arise from vague wording, unregistered or non-compliant wills, or unaddressed cross-border assets, so a properly drafted and registered will resolves these issues in advance.
Where can wills be registered in the UAE?
Wills can be registered through the DIFC Wills Service, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), and local courts across the UAE. DIFC is the most commonly used option by non-Muslim expats for UAE-wide asset coverage, while ADJD facilitates non-Muslim wills in Abu Dhabi. Local courts, including Dubai Courts and other emirate-level courts, may register both Muslim and non-Muslim wills. The appropriate option depends on your residency status, asset location, and religion.
Can LYLAW help enforce a foreign will in the UAE?
Yes, LYLAW assists with the enforcement of foreign wills and judgments in the UAE, including cross-border probate and recognition before the courts. We coordinate with clients’ foreign counsel to help ensure compliance with procedural requirements, as foreign wills are not automatically recognised or enforced in the UAE. In some cases, assets may also remain frozen until the procedures are resolved.