What is a succession certificate and why do I need one?
A succession certificate is a legal document issued by the Dubai Court that officially names the rightful heirs of a deceased person. It is required to access the deceased’s assets, such as bank accounts, property, pension, or business shares in the UAE.
Can I apply for a succession certificate if the person passed away outside the UAE?
Yes, you can apply if the deceased had assets in Dubai or was a UAE resident. However, you will need to provide a valid death certificate and properly attested documents from abroad, including proof of relationship.
What if my family is fighting over the inheritance?
If any legal heir objects to the claim or disputes the asset distribution, the court may put the application on hold. The matter might then proceed to hearings, mediation, or formal judgment, depending on the severity of the dispute.
I’m not Muslim. Can I request to apply civil or foreign inheritance law?
Yes, non-Muslims can request the application of UAE civil law or the law of their home country. You must mention this in your application, and all relevant foreign documents must be translated into Arabic and attested in the UAE.
Do all family members need to sign the application?
Yes, all legal heirs must sign the succession application or submit their no-objection confirmation. If one of the heirs refuses or cannot be reached, the case may be delayed or require court intervention.
What documents are required to file for a succession certificate?
You’ll need a UAE-issued or attested death certificate, passport or Emirates ID of all heirs, proof of family relationships like birth or marriage certificates, and a detailed claim in Arabic. If documents are in another language, they must be translated and attested.
Can I apply for the certificate if I’m not in the UAE?
Yes, you can apply through a legal representative or with a power of attorney. Al Adheed can help process your application as long as all documents are properly prepared and attested.
How long does the process take after submission?
If there are no objections and the documents are correct, the certificate is usually issued within one to two working days after your case is submitted to the court.
Will the court divide the assets after issuing the certificate?
No, the court’s role is only to confirm the legal heirs. The actual division of property or funds must be handled by the heirs directly with banks, real estate departments, or other institutions.
What if one heir lives abroad and refuses to respond?
You should attempt to reach them and provide evidence of your efforts. If they continue to remain unresponsive, the court may proceed without them, but this can delay the case or require a default judgment.
