Choosing a Will-Writing Service

Why it Matters

Making a Will is one of the most important planning steps a person can take to protect their family and make sure their wishes are fulfilled.

Without a Will, particularly in the UAE, transferring assets to loved ones can become problematic and costly. Gradually over the years, I am pleased to see awareness spreading about the necessity of having one in place.

There are also numerous Will-writing services available. Although they may appear similar on the surface, the experience, approach, scope and depth of advice can differ significantly.

Understanding these differences will help individuals choose a service that reflects their circumstances rather than simply selecting the most convenient or what may seem to be the lowest-priced option.

The Range of Will-Writing Services

Wills are prepared through various channels, including regulated legal professionals, specialist Will writers and organisations that offer document preparation alongside other services. Each model has its place, and the right choice often depends on how straightforward or complex a person’s situation is.

For a few individuals, a standard Will may be considered as sufficient. However, from my years of practice there is no one size fits all. Modern families often involve second marriages, differing nationalities and assets across multiple jurisdictions. What appears simple on the surface can often reveal important legal and practical issues once discussed properly.

Beyond the Document

Although Wills share certain basic elements, the way they are prepared often reflects the level of thought and experience behind them. Some services focus primarily on producing a document based on basic instructions or a standard template, while others take a broader view to ensure it reflects your family, your priorities and the realities of your life.

In practice, problems tend to arise not just because someone failed to make a Will, but because important matters were not fully explored or clearly drafted or addressed. These issues often only come to light after death, when uncertainty can place unnecessary strain on families and cause irreparable rifts between relatives.

This highlights the importance of matching the level of advice to the complexity of the family involved.

Experience and Focus

Even some legal practitioners prepare Wills alongside many other areas of work, while others specialise their practice on Wills and inheritance matters. Some may only offer DIFC Wills, while others offer both DIFC and ADJD.

A more focused approach often brings a deeper understanding of recurring family issues, common pitfalls and the practical consequences of unclear or incomplete drafting.

For many clients, reassurance comes from knowing their Will is being prepared by someone who works in this area day in, day out, understanding all options and whose advice is shaped by long-term experience and practical understanding of having a family amongst other wider issues.

Independence and Transparency

As highlighted, some organisations provide Will-writing as part of a wider range of services. This can be helpful, but it is sensible to understand whether advice is independent or linked to other offerings and whether the same person will handle your matter from start to finish. Clear explanations around scope, responsibility and limitations help ensure expectations are aligned from the outset.

Cost and Perspective

Cost is naturally an important factor. However, a Will is a legal document intended to operate at a time when clarification is no longer possible.

For many people, value lies not simply in the document itself, but in the care taken to ensure it accurately reflects their wishes and works as intended for those left behind rather than novelty or promotion.

Recommendations and Introductions

Personal recommendations can be a useful starting point, particularly when based on genuine, first-hand experience for the work sought. It can also be helpful to understand the context in which a recommendation is made. In some cases, community groups or organisations may have referral arrangements or sponsorships with particular providers.

This does not necessarily reflect on quality, but distinguishing between genuine client experience, real recommendations and promotional visibility can help individuals make more balanced decisions. Seeking more than one viewpoint is often worthwhile.

A Practical Checklist for Choosing a Will-Writing Service

When deciding who to instruct, you may wish to consider the following:

• Do you feel your family and personal circumstances have been properly understood?

• Do their explanations reflect a clear and confident understanding of the legal position?

• Is Will drafting a core area of the adviser’s practice or one of many services?

• How long have they been preparing Wills, and how many individuals have they advised?

• Will the person you meet be the same person drafting and overseeing your Will?

• Is your Will writer a legal professional and are they and the law firm properly registered with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department and the DIFC for Wills?

• Do you feel any potential risks or sensitivities within your family have been properly addressed?

• Are fees transparent and clearly explained at the outset?

• Is pricing reflective of experience and time spent, rather than introductory offers or promotions?

• Are any links to other services or products disclosed?

• Is any recommendation based on genuine first-hand client experience?

• Have you reviewed feedback from more than one source, e.g. independent client testimonials?

• Are explanations clear and practical?

• Have you had the opportunity to speak directly with the person preparing your Will, and do you feel they are experienced enough to guide you through the process?

Final Thoughts

A Will is ultimately about clarity, protection and reassurance for those you leave behind. The right approach will depend on your family, your assets and the complexity of your circumstances.

Taking the time to choose a service that aligns with your needs and enlisting the right level of experience you are comfortable with, can help ensure your wishes are properly reflected and can reduce the risk of uncertainty later on.

If you have any questions, then please contact Sonya Bhalla for a complimentary initial call.

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This material is provided for general information only. It should not be relied upon for the provision of or as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.