Media Release

Abu Dhabi, Apr 12: Konkani Cultural Organisation (KCO), Abu Dhabi will be organizing a seminar on 'Preparing a Will under the Sharia and Indian Law’.

The seminar will be conducted by M/S Maclanro Consulting Co, Bangalore, on Saturday April 14 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at India Social Centre (ISC) Mini Hall, Abu Dhabi.

All are invited to avail this unique opportunity and gain knowledge on Indian Succession Law and Sharia Law.

Below is a briefing and question that will be addressed by M/S Maclanro Consulting co at the seminar:

None of us like to think about death. There are better things to reflect upon and, anyway, life is for living. After all, things will take care of themselves should anything happen to you. Is it right? Not so, in all situations.

Making a will ensures successor to one’s savings, wealth and assets by persons of his choice. If you die without a Will (known as ‘intestate’), certain things will, by law, happen automatically, whether that was your intention or not.

Making a will is an important decision and even more so when you are living in another country governed by different inheritance laws.

Here is a typical situation of how people do not prioritise and keep postponing an important decision which will have a great impact on their loved ones.

Ralph expired suddenly leaving behind his young wife Marina, a homemaker and two minor children in Dubai. Ralph had not made a will. Marina had to leave Dubai within 30 days without any access to the bank accounts or funds of her husband as she was on dependent visa and the bank accounts of her husband were frozen on his death. She had to plead with her friends for financial help for return to India with the two minor children. She is yet to receive the funds which are frozen in Dubai. Do you wish this to happen to your family members?

Are you also postponing your decision to make or update your will? It is time to act now!

Are you still thinking how to go about it? Do you have the following questions in your mind?

1. I am an Indian citizen so why should I make a Will while living in the UAE or other country?

2. Is Sharia Law applicable to me? What are the consequences under Sharia Law to my property in UAE if I do not make a will?

3. I do not have immovable properties in UAE, do I have to make a will in UAE?

4. I believe that my spouse would inherit my property. Why should I make a will?

5. Isn't an estate plan/Will just for old people?

6. What happens to my business if I die? Can it be sold or retained by my family? Who will run the business?

7. Who gets the custody of my minor children if I do not make a Will?

8. It looks like a Will is a good idea, but can I do it myself?

A well-drafted Will is the only solution to all the above questions.

Why Should You Make a Will?

• Your Will can be the best present you leave for your beloved.

• Will is a gift whose value may never become visible.

• Your Will enables you to expeditiously distribute your property to those you want to and in the way
you want to - after your departure.

• By dying without a Will you may hand over to a third person to decide who should get your money and property.

What are the Consequences if You Don't Make a Will?

• Your property will be distributed as per the Law applicable to your community. This means you have no control over who will receive your property.

• It will subject your loved ones to intricate and protracted court procedures resulting in heavy financial expenditure when they are in a distressed frame of mind.

• There will be a lengthy legal process for which your spouse and children may not have the resources, patience and time besides the distress of losing you.

Are the above questions worrying you? Are you looking for one-stop solution? Here is an opportunity for you to clarify, learn and manage all your queries and doubts regarding the Indian Succession Law and Sharia law.