Guardianship wills for your children
If something happens to you, a registered will lets you choose who looks after your children, instead of leaving it to a court.
- For
- Parents of children who are minors
- Lets you
- Name guardians you trust
- Covers
- Short-term and long-term care
- Registry
- DIFC or Abu Dhabi
What you need to know
Without a recognised arrangement, the court decides who looks after children if a parent dies, and it may not be the person you would choose. A registered will lets you name guardians in advance, so your children are cared for by people you trust.
Many parents name someone in the UAE who can look after the children straight away, and a long-term guardian who may live abroad. We help you think through the choices and record them properly, together with how your assets should support your children.
Good for
- Expat parents in the UAE
- Single parents
- Families with relatives abroad
- Parents who travel often
Your choice, not a court’s
You decide who raises your children.
Short and long term
Plan for the first days and the years after.
Assets for your children
Set out how your assets support them.
How it works
- 01
Talk it through
We discuss your family and who you’d trust to look after your children.
- 02
Choose guardians
You name guardians and, if you like, back-ups.
- 03
Prepare your will
Your will records your guardians and how your assets support your children.
- 04
Register
We guide you through registration with the DIFC Courts or Abu Dhabi.
Start your will application
Tell us a little about your family and assets. An adviser will explain your options, with no obligation.
What you’ll need later
- Passport, and Emirates ID if you’re a UAE resident
- A list of your main assets
- Names of the people you want to inherit
- Who you’d like as executor, and as guardians for any children
Step 1 of 4
Who is the will for?
What should it cover? Pick all that apply
Where do you live?
Where should we send your will options?
Thanks, there. Your will application has started.
An adviser will contact you on WhatsApp to talk through your options.
A few more details (optional)
- We explain which will and registry suit your family and assets.
- Your will is prepared and checked with you.
- We guide you through signing and registration.
Guardianship wills FAQs
Who becomes my children’s guardian if I die without a will?
A court decides. It may not choose the person you would have chosen, which is why parents in the UAE are encouraged to name guardians in a registered will.
Can I name a guardian who lives outside the UAE?
Yes. Many parents also name someone in the UAE who can look after the children in the short term, until the long-term guardian arrives.
Do both parents need a will?
It’s usually best. Couples often make mirror wills that name the same guardians.
Can I change the guardian later?
Yes. You can register a new will to replace the old one if your circumstances change.
Wills guides
All guides
How to Make a Will in the UAE: A 2026 Guide for ExpatsHow to make a will in the UAE as an expat: who can register, DIFC and Abu Dhabi options, what to include, documents, costs and the steps to registration.Read the guide
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UAE?What happens if an expat dies without a will in the UAE: default inheritance rules, frozen bank accounts, property, company shares and guardianship of children.Read the guide
DIFC Will vs Abu Dhabi Will: Which Is Right for You?DIFC will vs Abu Dhabi (ADJD) will compared: who can register, assets covered, process, language and cost, with examples of which suits your situation.Read the guideThis page is general information, not legal advice. Will rules and fees change, so we confirm what applies to you before you proceed.
Ready to protect your family?
Start your will application. An adviser will explain your options, with no obligation.
