On 31st January 2021 the DIFC Courts website will be updated to include the services of the DIFC Wills Registry. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE CLIENT BOOKINGS MORE EFFICIENT AND EASIER TO MANAGE

Why now?

As the DIFC Wills Registry was established later than the DIFC Courts, in May 2015, it has always maintained a separate website. From the outset the aim has been to incorporate ALL of the DIFC Courts services, which include the Wills Registry and by upgrading the website this allows all the services to be unified and to work under one system and one server.

It is also important to note that the new website will comply with government guidelines, case and invoice filing and allow quarterly reviews to be conducted more efficiently and quickly as all data will be stored on one server.

How has the DIFC Wills Registry website changed?

There are no notable differences to content, however, the homepage and layout are slightly different. Primarily the main difference is that the system is now fully automated with no option of manual intervention by the DIFC Wills Registry team, in terms of appointment booking.

How does this impact the client and lawyer?

There are a number of advantages that will benefit the Testator when booking a registration appointment.

With the upgraded website, lawyers will have the option of reserving a slot on behalf of their client under the “quick appointment” option . The lawyer or the client has three working days prior to the appointment date to complete the will data and finalise the payment. In this manner the appointment can be confirmed with the client, payment made and the information data stored. The other advantage is that if the appointment slot is not actioned in the time limit given the slot will automatically become available and offered to another lawyer or client who may be trying to book a slot without the need to contact the Wills Registry Compliance team which is the case presently. As a frequent user of the DIFC Wills Registry website I welcome this upgrade and these changes and look forward to navigating my clients to a more seamless and efficient experience .

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.