STEP 1 –

The registration appointment will take place virtually over a video conference call. The link will be sent by the DIFC Wills Registry via email. The Testator and the two witnesses will need to be present on the registration call. They can all be in the same location if necessary or in separate places as long as they have the devices required to complete the registration.

STEP 2-

The DIFC Wills Registry portal is fully automated so the Testator and witnesses will receive email reminders of the registration appointment with the video conference link via email for the three days before the scheduled appointment.

STEP 3-

On the day of registration the Testator and witnesses must ensure that they have a laptop/ PC with audio and video capability AND a touch screen device (such as an iphone or ipad) as this will be required for the electronic signatures required at the time of registration. Please note that if the Testator and witnesses are together in one location the registration call can be done from one laptop/PC BUT each individual will require their own touch screen device for the electronic signature.

STEP 4-

On the day and time specified for the registration appointment the Testator needs to open the email from the DIFC Wills Registry and click on the link sent. This will start the virtual registration appointment. At the start of the appointment the Testator and each witness will be asked to verify their identities by presenting their passports and EIDs in front of the camera on their devices.

STEP 5-

The DIFC Wills Registry Compliance Officers will then proceed to read out the contents of the Will to the Testator in relation to the clauses concerning the Executors, Beneficiaries and Guardians ( if applicable) in order to confirm testamentary intention.

STEP 6-

Once Testamentary intention is confirmed the Compliance Officer conducting the registration will share the QR code for electronic signature of the Will. The Testator and witnesses need to open the cameras on their touch screen devices and scan the code shared on the Compliance Officer’s screen. This is their electronic signature ID. Each individual will have a separate user name and password. To complete the registration the Testator and witnesses will need to sign electronically using their finger on their touch screen device.

STEP 7-

Once the Will is signed, witnessed and registered it is automatically sent to the account that made the booking and payment. If the booking was done through the lawyer’s account the Will is available for 30 minutes ONLY following the registration to share with the client.

There is also an option for the Testator to download the Will even if he/she has not done the booking. An encrypted email which is password protected will be sent to the Testator’s email so the Will can be downloaded. However this only happens once the Will has been downloaded on to the DIFC wills Registry portal and can take up to a few hours. The DIFC Wills Registry is always available to assist in the case of any difficulties. Their email ID is WillsInfo@difccourts.ae

Soma Gardi is the founding partner of SG Legal Consultants FZC, a specialised niche firm providing a bespoke service for clients requiring a DIFC Will. Please contact soma@sglegalconsultants.com for any further information.