The 5 Best Firms with Estate Lawyers in Dubai
Ensuring your properties and finances before you pass on is one of the most important things you can do in your later years. By making sure everything is properly planned out, you can help avoid conflicts and have everyone you love remember you fondly.
Thankfully some lawyers are specially trained in helping you with this, and can even help you in litigating inheritance conflicts and will transactions.
To find out which ones are the best, we went and asked around to give you Dubai’s best firms with estate lawyers.
How much does it cost to hire an estate lawyer in Dubai?
The cost of hiring an estate lawyer varies wildly depending on multiple factors such as the experience and reputation of the lawyer, the time and effort required, the complexity of the case if there is any need for litigation, and many more.
Lawyers also have different fee structures such as hourly rates, fixed fees, and retainer fees.
To help you get started, most lawyers charge around AED 500 to AED 2,000 for an initial consultation meeting.
How We Picked Best Firms with Estate Lawyers in Dubai
Before we get right into our list of the best firms with estate lawyers in Dubai, here are the factors we considered for our entries on this list:
1. Motei & Associates
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
With two decades of experience in the legal industry and an outstanding track record of success stories in the UAE, Motei & Associates proves that its understanding of ownership and the laws that surround it are quite effective.
On top of that, it also handles both local litigation cases and international arbitration in English, French, and Arabic. This means they are perfect for clients who are also expats.
This law firm is also one of the few that has the Rights of Audience before Dubai International Financial Courts and Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts.
However, we were disappointed to know that it does not have any recent awards for its litigation services, and estate services specifically.
We think this is because Motei & Associates’ specialization relatively lies only within estate law for expats in the UAE, specifically a niche understanding of the joint initiative between the DIFC courts and the Dubai Government.
This also means that its client portfolio and most of its successes in estate law lie in foreign clients who have called Dubai their home. While we love that it has carved out a niche for itself, its record for local estate law services is not as good.
But we love the fact that it is amazing in prioritizing resolving and mediating property disputes and preventing these from going to court and causing even bigger problems.
Pros
- 39 years of experience
- Great at de-escalating disputes and preventing them from going to court
- Handles both property and financial planning, and litigation
- Has a deep understanding of estate law for foreigners in Dubai
Cons
- Most of its successes are from expat clients
- Estate law services focus too much on foreigners owning property in Dubai
- Lacks acclaim and accreditations
Customer Reviews
One of the best law firms in Dubai
“One of the best law firms in Dubai. The firm deals in all aspects of the law. The panel of advocates is highly knowledgeable and professional. I’ve had a wonderful experience with them.
Perhaps the thing that impressed me most was my interaction with the founder of Motei & Associates, Mr. Ashraf El Motei. He was straightforward in his legal advice and nothing was “sugar-coated”. He told me what to expect each step of the way what the options were and what the risks were. There were no empty promises made just to keep the client happy which I know sometimes occurs when seeking counsel. This is a rare quality in
a legal firm and I highly recommended them.” – Roshan Coutinho, Google Reviews
I will highly recommend M&A to anyone seeking legal help
“There is always a hesitation or confusion in an individual’s mind while appointing a law firm for a legal matter but with our very first online meeting with Mr. Ashraf El Motei, he made us clearly understand all the aspects of our case & the possible outcomes that our case could have. Truly their clarity & understanding of the legal matters & their knowledge of the local laws immediately gave us the confidence to entrust them with our case with a greater hope of a positive outcome.
I can now look back in time & smile that it was the right choice to appoint Motei & Associates because Mr. Ashraf El Motei & Mr. Remon Thabet handled our case so perfectly well that we now have the judgment in our favor. Truly you & your team work so professionally well and we are thankful to all of you for the same.
I will highly recommend M&A to anyone seeking legal help, not only for your legal professionalism but also for your friendliest manner of interacting with their clients.” – Rajesh Rangnani, Google Reviews
2. HHS Lawyers
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
HHS Lawyers is a multi-disciplinary firm consisting of lawyers and legal consultants in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, that specialize in estate law, specifically will writing and family estate disputes.
With more than 120 awards garnered within 10 years, this legal firm has earned the trust of more than 550 clients. We think it is very impressive for such a legal firm to be this highly acclaimed despite its intensely competitive industry.
However, there have been moments wherein its service quality has yet to match its reputation and the achievements it has attained.
There have been instances where potential clients have inquired regarding their situations and met with dismissive answers.
We were disappointed because more than legal help, these clients also need people who are willing to listen to their circumstances, especially clients who are undergoing turmoil with family disputes, which can get hostile.
This is only made up by the fact that if the company does decide to help you, it has a deep understanding of the UAE family law, as well as the Shariah law that applies to expatriates living in the country.
We like that it specializes in family-oriented estate law services since many of these clients do need help with family-related things.
Pros
- Has garnered 120 awards in just 10 years
- Experienced in family disputes and will writing
- Has a deep understanding of family law and Shariah law
Cons
- There have been instances where the service was rude and dismissive
Client Reviews
Helpful and thorough service!
“We used HHS Lawyers in Dubai in relatively unique circumstances. We needed legal advice on property disputes basically as our previous attorney wasn’t very helpful. With HHS Lawyers, we had a whole team who were all helpful and thorough in ensuring that we had the correct information and strategy to go about the dispute! I cannot recommend them enough; they are considerably superior to our previous representation.” -Saafi Nazeer, Google Reviews
I heartily endorse HHS Lawyers
“I heartily endorse HHS Lawyers. They assisted us in resolving a dispute with a third party, which was a very challenging circumstance for us. We were quite encouraged and comforted by their expertise, wise counsel on UAE arbitration law, and very balanced and calming direction. We are incredibly appreciative of their expertise, perspective, and concern; these qualities truly made a difference.” – Bilal Mughal, Google Reviews
3. Hassan Al Riyami Advocates & Legal Consultants
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Track Record | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
With 25 years of experience, 7,000 court cases, and 300 arbitration proceedings under its belt, Hassan Al Riyami Advocates & Legal Consultants has become one of the most reputed law firms in the UAE.
Its legal team is part of a vast network that spans multiple cities including Moscow, New York, Istanbul, Riyadh, and many more.
So whether you are an Emirati in Dubai or somewhere else in the world, this firm has the right team to help you out and ensure your property and estates are taken care of.
Because of its team’s diverse and multicultural experience, this firm can tailor its strategy based on specific laws that govern medical legislation, especially in Dubai.
We love how it understands that inheritance laws hold great significance as they touch upon cultural, religious, and legal principles, which may be lost for many Dubai residents who did not grow up there.
It really takes into consideration the fact that laws are subject to change and interpretation, thus by proactively planning and considering cultural and religious factors, individuals can ensure a smooth and fair distribution of their assets.
To complete this, Hassan Al Riyami Advocates & Legal Consultants also provides services in drafting and passing wills.
Where it falters is in its litigating success rates, especially disputes on wills, inheritance, and successions outside of family matters.
We also noticed that it lacks recent awards that prove its lawyers are on top of the game. We were disappointed since it seems to have put in the work in terms of the number of cases it has previously handled.
Pros
- One of the most reputed firms in the UAE
- Has an excellent track record
- Has a deep understanding of the cultural influence on inheritance laws
Cons
- Track record for litigations outside of family disputes is not as good
- Not recent awards
Client Reviews
Highly recommended
“To sum up in a few words!!!
If you require legal services related to debt recovery, Al Reyami & Legal Advocates are efficient, reliable, competent, and trustworthy. They came recommended and I have first-hand experience as to why they are good.
If you have any debtors that are tricky to navigate, do not hesitate, to get in touch with them if you have overdue pending debtors to find a quick solution.
Highly recommended” – JKai Ogonor, Google Reviews
I can highly recommend them as a law firm
“I needed some legal research done complete with a signature on a letterhead. Many law firms were unwilling to help, but Al Reyami Advocates and Legal Consultants were quick, professional, and willing to help. I can highly recommend them as a law firm that cares and wants to help their clients.” – Anna Holle, Google Reviews
4. Al Safar & Partners
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Track Record | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Al Safar & Partners has successfully won over 500 criminal cases for its many local and international clients because of its thorough understanding of multiple jurisdictions.
Its rare ISO 9001:2008 quality management certification in the GCC and Middle East has paved the way to becoming a part of the acclaimed Fortune 500.
When it comes to its service benefits, it includes a free 30-minute consultation that is a game changer for many clients, because potential clients can determine whether a family or inheritance dispute can stand to win.
It also has lawyers from many different countries, such as the UK, Russia, India, Sudan, and many more, which makes this firm ideal if you are a foreigner who is having trouble with these kinds of situations.
The firm’s estate law services focus more on the litigation of succession and inheritance cases. It understands that cultural differences and vaguely worded wills can be the root of these disputes, and are effective in facing these head on.
However, as much as it has a culturally diverse legal team with experiences from all over the world, it does not have significant experience in drafting and passing wills themselves.
This limits its estate law services since most of the other entries do offer that alongside litigation services.
Pros
- Has acclaimed certifications
- A culturally diverse legal team with international experience
- Offers free 30-minute consultations
- Successful in litigations and disputes
Cons
- Lacks experience in planning and writing wills
Client Reviews
I am in safe hands for sure
“Not easy to get the professional and the personal touch to be close to the client all in one. Adding to that, the willingness and devotion to get the case won. That is what I saw in my experience dealing with Dr. Ahmed Hatem at Al Safar & Partners. I am in safe hands for sure.” – Ahmed Fahmy, Google Reviews
Always answered the phone and answered my questions
“Mr. Ismat Salha was very experienced in my case. Always answering the phone. Answering my questions. With his experience, I was acquitted from the first session. I always felt comfortable talking to him. He always called me after every session to discuss it with me.” – Walid Hamed, Google Reviews
5. TWS Legal Consultants
| Criteria | Rating |
| Credibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Track Record | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
TWS Legal Consultants has over 10 years’ worth of experience dealing with its clients’ wealth, business interests, and family needs with its full legal services.
We love that this company is a part of the British Embassy’s list of law firms in Dubai, as well as licensed by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and a full member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.
Its team is also highly experienced in managing the administration of a deceased’s estate in the UAE and advising and representing clients in contentious/non-contentious wills and estate matters.
The TWS legal team played a leading role in the working group involved in formulating and contributing to the DIFC Wills Service Centre Rules and remains an active member until now.
This means that this firm holds a firm understanding of what it takes to write an effective will and succession plan for a person’s wealth, whether they are Muslim or not.
Another great thing about this company is it is a fully digital law firm that can capably and clearly explain and guide clients through the entire process without having to drive down its office.
However, we’re quite disappointed to learn that its litigating team for disputes concerning wills and inheritances has the weakest success rate among all of our entries.
Pros
- Locally and globally well-renowned
- Fully digital firm
- Provides full legal services
Cons
- Its litigating team has a relatively low success rate
Customer Reviews
Unhesitatingly recommend this firm
“I reached out to TWS to organize my UAE Will to be governed by the DIFC. In the first free Zoom consultation, the partner showed a proper understanding of her brief and communicated effectively building confidence. The partner laid out the costs clearly and transparently.
After gathering all the information the draft was quickly produced and after one tiny amendment, we moved to the registration with the DIFC which was a model of First World 21st Century efficient protocols.
Unhesitatingly recommend this firm.” – Michelle Johnston, Google Reviews
We really recommend the TWS team
“We asked them to support an investor visa. Mr. Bharth was very kind and helpful to us. Always he answered our questions very quickly and clearly. We really recommend the TWS team if you need any assistance in Dubai.” – Yuri Nori, Google Reviews
FAQs about Estate Lawyers in Dubai
We hope this helped you find the right firm with estate lawyers in Dubai. If you’re looking for more legal services, then check out these articles: