The law and practice referred to in this article or webinar has been paraphrased or summarised. It might not be up-to-date with changes in the law and we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided at the time of reading. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice in relation to a specific set of circumstances.
Shari’ah Compliant Wills
Using Anglo-Welsh legal structures, Stone King’s specialist international & cross-border team can help your estate in the UK and in many overseas countries pass in accordance with Shari’ah principles.
We cater for the needs of the adherents of all denominations, including sunnis, shias and all others, by:
- Using Anglo-Welsh legal structures to draft your Shari’ah compliant will (‘Al Wasiyyah’).
- Putting in place appropriate structures to help you leave your estate in accordance with the rules of your denomination and/or with the help of a scholar, imam or other cleric nominated by you, or suggested by us.
- Advising you on the devolution of your disposable share of the estate, including (where appropriate) helping to reduce your estate’s inheritance tax liability by 4%.
- Advising you on life-time estate planning and gifting (‘Al Hibat’) where appropriate.
We can draft a single UK Will to cover a person’s worldwide estate, or alternatively, where appropriate, draft separate wills to cover UK and overseas assets, drawing on our knowledge and contacts from around the world.
Owning assets in more than one jurisdiction inevitably leads to conflicts of law, including conflicts with your Shari’ah obligations, which are not always immediately obvious.
For this reason, and to ensure the accuracy and dependability of our advice, we carefully analyse our client’s circumstances and provide them with a comprehensive, bespoke report before we draft their Wills.
Where appropriate we can draft Shari’ah compliant wills for couples who wish to make complementary wills and benefit from a reduced fee.
Validity of your Will
Not all jurisdictions practise testamentary freedom. Instead many countries and jurisdictions require your assets to pass to specified classes of individuals and these rules may conflict with Shari’ah principles.
We can advise on the formal and essential validity of your Shari’ah compliant wills in a cross-border context and often suggest foreign legal structures that can be used to deliver your Shari’ah compliant wishes.