Dubai: The process of probating a will featuring property bequests has just got easier with a “smart” tie-up between DIFC Wills & Probate Registry (WPR) and Dubai Land Department.
The new arrangements sets out a clear process to be followed when a probate case becomes active. WPR will be able to access specific Land Department databases to search and verify basic property ownership details. This makes “probate quicker and smoother”, according to a statement.
In addition to information sharing, the measures will also allow WPR to place a block on properties subject to a probate order. This is to prevent them being transferred to people who are not named as beneficiaries in the DIFC will — “again making the executors job simpler and avoiding complex issues,” the statement added.
The transfer fee percentage, based on the current value of each property, is set at the same rate of 0.125 per cent as for Sharia-compliant wills. And there is also a nominal cost for placing and subsequently removing a block.
According to Sean Hird, Director, DIFC Wills & Probate Registry said, “The historic MoU signed last year set up a close working relationship between The Registry and Dubai Land Department. This paved the way for us to create a precise procedural arrangement which allows us to essentially fast-track probate orders.”
The property will is straightforward for individuals to complete. The formalities of registration remain the same as for all other forms of will that are registrable at WPR.
