Your parents own property in the UAE. You have raised the subject of a DIFC will, and they are open to it, or at least not opposed. Now the practical question arises: can you take care of it for them?
The short answer is: you can do a lot, but not everything. A will is a personal legal act, which means there is a clear boundary between what you can handle on their behalf and what they must do themselves. Understanding that boundary upfront saves time and avoids frustration.
What you cannot do
Let us start with the limitation, because it is important to be clear about it.
You cannot sign the will for your parents. A will is a document that expresses the personal wishes of the person whose assets are at stake. No one can execute a will on behalf of someone else. Your parents must:
- Give their personal consent to the contents of the will.
- Verify their identity during a video call.
- Sign the will themselves (digitally or in the manner required by the DIFC).
This is not a bureaucratic formality. It is a legal safeguard. A will signed by someone other than the testator would be invalid, and rightfully so. The good news is that this step is straightforward: a short video call, typically around 15 minutes, is all that is required.
What you can do
Everything else, you can handle. And in many families, the children end up doing most of the practical legwork. Here is what you can take on.
1. Research the options
Before your parents need to make any decision, you can do the groundwork. Compare the available guidance packages, understand the difference between a single will and mirror wills, and learn what the DIFC registration process involves.
UAE Property Wills offers two tiers of guidance:
- Tier 2 (€797): Guidance for mirror wills (couples), the most common choice for parents who co-own property.
- Tier 3 (€1,499): Comprehensive guidance for complex situations (multiple properties, corporate structures or non-standard family arrangements).
DIFC registration costs are separate and paid directly to the DIFC portal: AED 7,500 for a single will, AED 10,000 for mirror wills.
2. Book the consultation
You can book a free consultation on behalf of your parents. This is a no-obligation call where they (or all of you together) can ask questions, understand the process and decide whether to proceed.
Many children book this call and then join their parents during the session. It helps to have someone in the conversation who has already done the reading.
3. Gather the documents
Your parents will need a few key documents for the DIFC will process:
- A valid passport for each testator.
- The title deed(s) for their UAE property.
- A marriage certificate (for couples opting for mirror wills).
You can collect copies of these documents in advance so that everything is ready when the process begins. This removes one of the most common causes of delay.
4. Pay the fees
There is nothing preventing you from paying the guidance fees and the DIFC registration costs on your parents’ behalf. Many children choose to do this, either as a practical gesture or as a meaningful gift. The payment does not need to come from the testator.
5. Attend the video session
While your parents must be the ones to verify their identity and confirm the will’s contents, you are welcome to attend the video call with them. This is especially helpful if your parents are less comfortable with technology or simply appreciate having a family member present for reassurance.
6. Handle follow-up communication
After the consultation, there may be follow-up questions, document requests or scheduling to coordinate. You can serve as the point of contact for all of this, keeping the process moving without your parents having to manage the logistics.
A practical step-by-step plan
Here is how the process typically works when a child takes the lead:
- You do the research. Read about the DIFC will, understand the tiers, and decide which option fits your parents’ situation.
- You book a free consultation. Choose a time that works for your parents and share the details with them.
- You gather documents. Collect copies of passports, title deeds and the marriage certificate.
- You (optionally) pay the fees. Cover the guidance fee and, if you wish, the DIFC registration costs.
- Your parents attend the video session. They verify their identity, confirm their wishes and sign the will. You can be present for support.
- You handle the follow-up. Coordinate any remaining steps until the will is registered at the DIFC.
The entire process, from first consultation to registered will, typically takes a few weeks.
Why children often take the lead
In practice, it is often the adult children who drive this process. Not because their parents are unwilling, but because the children tend to be more digitally comfortable, more familiar with international legal concepts, and more aware of the specific risks around UAE property.
Taking the lead on this is not overstepping. It is one of the most practical and thoughtful things you can do for your family.