ADJD Wills
Our Wills & Probate Services
ADJD Wills
At MAK Partners & Legal Consultants, we provide specialised legal services for the drafting and registration of ADJD Civil Wills through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
Our services focus on providing legal advice, drafting, and end-to-end assistance for the preparation and registration of ADJD Civil Wills for UAE expatriates, strictly in accordance with the procedures and requirements prescribed by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
In the absence of a registered Will, estate matters may be subject to default legal procedures which may not reflect personal intentions. An ADJD Civil Will ensures that estate matters are handled in accordance with the Testator’s expressed wishes, with legal certainty and court recognition.
Applicable Law
The ADJD Civil Will is established and registered under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021, as administered by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
This law provides a clear civil framework enabling UAE expatriates to determine estate distribution, appoint executors and guardians, and ensure that their Will is legally enforceable through UAE courts.
What Is an ADJD Civil Will?
An ADJD Civil Will is a court-registered testamentary instrument recognised by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. It governs the distribution of assets situated in the United Arab Emirates and provides legally binding instructions for estate administration.
Once registered, the Will becomes enforceable through UAE courts and is applicable across all Emirates.
What an ADJD Civil Will Covers
Assets & Estate
An ADJD Civil Will covers all present and future UAE-based assets, including but not limited to:
- Bank accounts and deposits
- Real estate and property interests
- Vehicles and personal assets
- Investments, shares, and business interests
- Insurance proceeds and employment benefits
There is no requirement to list individual assets, allowing flexibility as assets change over time.
Appointment of Executors
The ADJD Civil Will provides for the formal appointment of executors, who are legally authorised to administer and implement the Will.
The Testator may appoint:
- A primary executor, and
- One or more alternate executors, to act in sequence if required
The appointed executor(s) are responsible for:
- Administering the estate in accordance with the Will
- Settling lawful liabilities and obligations
- Coordinating with relevant authorities and institutions
- Distributing the estate strictly in line with the Will provisions
Executor appointments are recognised and enforced through the court registration of the Will.
Guardianship (If Applicable)
Where minor children are involved, the ADJD Civil Will allows the Testator to formally appoint guardians, ensuring continuity of care and legal authority.
The Will may provide for:
- Appointment of permanent guardians, and
- Appointment of interim guardians, where required
These provisions reduce uncertainty and ensure that guardianship arrangements are clearly defined and legally recognised.
Insurance Proceeds
The ADJD Civil Will includes provisions governing the treatment of insurance proceeds and benefits.
Insurance payouts are distributed:
- In accordance with the existing beneficiary nomination recorded with the insurer, or
- In line with the beneficiary provisions of the Will, where no valid nomination exists
This ensures alignment between insurance arrangements and estate planning intentions.
Debts & Estate Expenses
The Will contains explicit directions for the settlement of:
- Lawful debts and liabilities, and
- Funeral and estate administration expenses
These obligations are settled by the executor prior to the distribution of the estate, in accordance with the Will and applicable court procedures.
Fully Online Registration Process
The ADJD Civil Will registration process is 100% online and conducted through the official judicial system.
There is no requirement to visit any court or office in person.
Court Fees & Charges
- Court fee: AED 950 per Will
- Court fees are paid directly to the court through the official online system
- Court fees are separate from professional or legal service fees
- Applicable court charges are determined by the court and may be revised
We assist clients with the online court payment and registration process.
Who Should Consider an ADJD Civil Will?
- UAE expatriates with assets in the UAE
- Married individuals and families
- Property owners and investors
- Business owners
- Parents wishing to appoint guardians
Our Scope of Services
- Legal consultation and structuring
- Drafting in accordance with ADJD requirements
- Review and revisions until final approval
- Online submission and procedural coordination
- Support through the online court interview
- Assistance until issuance of the registered Will
Our role is to ensure legal accuracy, procedural compliance, and a smooth online registration process through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Get Started
If you wish to prepare and register an ADJD Civil Will, our team can guide you through the process from start to completion.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and proceed with confidence.
