Dubai Expatriate Wills FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and concerns from our clients. If you can’t find what you need here, try our fast Facts section section or Contact Us by clicking on the tab above. We will do our best to answer your question.

What would happen to my children if both parents die before they are 18?

My children are too young to inherit, what should I say in my Will?

You can set up a trust for your children that would let you to “save” that part of their estate until they are of an age that you wish them to inherit the estate. Usually, the inheritance ages for such trusts is 21 or 25 years of age, but it can be at 18. See our For Parents [link] section for more information.

I am going overseas for an extended period, can I appoint LPA to someone while I am away?
Yes, you can appoint Property and Financial LPA to someone to look after your financial and property affairs while you are away. Their authority will encompass a range of matters including bill payment, collecting your benefits, or even selling your house on your behalf. Fast Fact: Lasting Power of Attorney [link]

What would happen to the children’s inheritance if one of the parents were to die and the other re-marry?
If the Will has not been rewritten or if there is no Will, once the second partner has passed on the entire estate will pass to the surviving partner. This could mean that the children of the original partnership lose out on any inheritance. By drawing up a Life Interest Trust, the children of the original partnership are guaranteed to inherit at least some of the estate. Fast Fact: Life Interest Trusts [link]

Can property be prevented from having to be sold to fund long term care costs?
In certain cases if the estate has been planned correctly. Deferred payments, family trusts and making a Will can help to protect at least some of your assets for your loved ones. Fast Fact: Care Home Fees [link]

I am worried about my health or an accident impairing my judgement. Can I appoint someone to make those decisions for me if I am unable?
Yes, you can. We can help you submit a legal document called a Lasting Power of Attorney. This allows you to select someone that you trust to make decisions on your behalf about property, financial or health welfare at a time in the future when you may not be in a position to make those decisions for yourself. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney joint assets can be frozen while family members apply to the Court of Protection for permission to handle the clients affairs – a lengthy and costly process.

How often should I review my Will?
If there any material change in your life and at least every 3-5 years or if your Will no longer reflects your wishes, then you should review your Will. Important life events such as marriage, civil partnership and divorce change your life and priorities and therefore a new Will should be made when contemplating these events. A Will is automatically invalidated (“revoked”) on marriage. Simple changes to your Will can be made by a Codicil but do not try to alter a Will yourself by crossing out or adding some words after your Will has been signed. These types of change will almost certainly invalidate your Will.

Find out more about using our services in our How Does it Work? [link to How does it work page] section.