Appointing guardians for your children

Without a guardianship clause, UAE courts decide who looks after your minor children if both parents pass away. The court will try to act in the child's best interest, but it has no way to know your family dynamics, your values, or which relative you would actually trust with that responsibility.

A registered will lets you nominate a primary and a backup guardian: someone you trust, who shares your values, and who has agreed to the role in advance. You can also leave private guidance about schooling, faith, language, and the lifestyle you would like your children to keep, even if it is not legally binding.

It is equally important to think about the first 48 hours after an incident. If you and your partner are travelling abroad together, your children may need an adult to step in immediately. A temporary local guardian, named separately and resident in the UAE, can collect children from school, deal with hospitals, and bridge the gap until the named long-term guardian arrives.

Combine a long-term guardian in your registered will with a temporary local guardian who has documented authority, and your family has a clear, court-ready plan. Weelly walks you through both decisions in the questionnaire, with examples and prompts so nothing important slips through.