The DIFC Wills and Probate Programme (Will Drafting)

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the structure and explain the formalities of a DIFC Will as prescribed by the WPR Rules.

• Manage a formal client interview and assess a client’s estate devolution requirements.

• Take comprehensive instructions from your client for the preparation of a DIFC Will.

• Draft a DIFC Will in accordance with your client’s specific instructions and circumstances.

• Learn to identify and mitigate professional conduct challenges and concerns commonly associated with the preparation of DIFC Wills.

• Satisfy the requirements of the Wills Service Practice Direction No.1 of 2016 to be authorized to draft Wills for registration in the Register of Will Draftsmen.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the structure and the main tenets of the DIFC Wills and Probate Programme, namely the roles of the Wills Service and the non-Muslim Wills Registry at the DIFC Courts (“the Registry”), application of the WPR Rules to a DIFC Will, the probate process and claims.

• Perform the entire process of DIFC Will registration, estate planning and probate work within the framework given by the legal basis, namely the rights, duties and obligations of users of the Wills Service and their legal advisors.
• Explain the general mandate and powers of the Wills Service, the Registry and the DIFC Courts.

• Describe the overall structure of the WPR Rules and explain how they integrate into the wider UAE laws.

• Describe Part 55 of the Rules of the DIFC Courts (in relation to Probate proceedings in the DIFC Courts) and explain how it works in conjunction with the WPR Rules.

• Implement the WPR Rules in advising clients on their Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah estate planning in relation to DIFC Wills and the subsequent probate process.