Just Wills CEO, Mohammad Marria discusses his efforts to register the country’s first Will to the company’s recent expansion and plans ahead.

For over two decades, Just Wills has been a cornerstone in safeguarding families and their futures, specialising in wills, probate, and now expanding into broader legal services. At the helm is seasoned expert Mohammad Marria, who brought Just Wills to the UAE in 2005. At the time, the country was transforming into a global hub, attracting a growing expat community as well as property investors. Marria spotted an opportunity to establish a system for wills and probate. “It was not easy—there was no legal framework, no process, and little awareness,” he tells Law Middle East. “Today, I am proud to have built a legacy that safeguards families and their futures.”

Back in 2005, wills were authenticated through embassies, which he explains was an ineffective process. Over the next seven years, he embarked on a mission with the local courts and media to emphasise the need for a formal registry. His efforts culminated in the registration of the first will with the Dubai Courts in December 2012. “After years of advocating, educating, and collaborating with legal authorities, we registered the first will with the Dubai Courts in 2012 and Abu Dhabi shortly thereafter,” he says. “This milestone truly reshaped succession planning in the UAE.” “Today, I continue to collaborate with the courts, offering ideas to enhance these systems, and I am pursuing recognition as an expert for complex inheritance cases,” he adds. Recently, Just Wills has expanded its services to include corporate, litigation, and family law. “We saw the need to provide comprehensive legal support,” explains Marria. “By partnering with a reputable UAE firm, we now offer a one stop service for everything from litigation to debt management. It is a significant milestone for Just Wills, and our goal is to continuously
adapt and expand to meet the growing needs of our community.”

A core focus of the company is drafting wills in the UAE, which must address several key aspects. First, it must clarify whether it covers assets in the UAE or has an international scope. Second, guardianship provisions are crucial, especially for those with children, specifying interim and permanent guardians. Marria was an early advocate for appointing interim guardians back in 2008, which he explains can be especially important in places where permanent guardians live abroad. Third, the executor must be appointed to handle court procedures, notify banks, and transfer assets. Finally, the distribution of the estate must be clearly outlined—whether to a spouse, children, parents, or others. “Every detail ensures the will reflects your wishes and avoids complications for loved ones,” he says. The absence of a will in the UAE triggers the application of the local law. “While these laws are systematic, they may not align with personal wishes,” explains Marria, who moved to Dubai from London with his family in 2005.

“By drafting a will, individuals can apply their own wishes and safeguard their family’s interests.” This is particularly important when considering that different laws apply across jurisdictions. For example, the UK imposes a default 40% inheritance tax even on non-residents if the property is located there. Similarly, each GCC country has its own rules, and this may not be aligned with your own personal wishes. “I often tell clients: every country has its laws, and if you do not agree with them, a will is your tool to ensure your legacy reflects your desires,” he says. The UAE offers multiple systems to register wills, yet latest statistics show that as many as two out of three people do not have one in place.

Without a registered will, families can face unimaginable heartache during already difficult times “I once dealt with a case where a husband had entrusted his registered will to us but had not shared its contents with his family,” reflects Marria. “When he tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack, his wife came to me, tearful and overwhelmed. She had not known about the will and was devastated as family conflicts over inheritance erupted.” “I arranged a meeting, calmly explained the will’s contents, and reassured them it was legally binding,” he continues. “The husband had left everything to his wife, but the children, blinded by grief, contested it in court. Despite their efforts, the registered will prevailed, ensuring the wife’s stability amidst the chaos.

It is all about planning ahead to protect what matters most.”

Source: Law Middle East- https://mags.itp.com/LawMiddleEast/2025/0101-LawME-Feb2025/#page=24