Inheritance Lawyers in Egypt

How much freedom do Muslims have to distribute their estate by will?

Under Muslim inheritance law, a Muslim can freely dispose of up to one-third of their estate by will. The remaining two-thirds must go to Faraid heirs unless they all consent after death to a different distribution.

Can I disinherit a child under Islamic inheritance law?

Generally no. Forced-heirship rules prevent disinheriting a legitimate heir. You may allocate part of the one-third will portion differently, but you cannot unilaterally cancel a Faraid share without that heir’s consent.

Should I make a will in Egypt?

Yes. Even with forced-heirship rules, a will helps clarify wishes, allocate the one-third discretionary portion, appoint executors, and reduce disputes. For foreigners, a will can ensure Egyptian courts apply the correct national law.

Can I give away assets during my lifetime instead of by inheritance?

Lifetime gifts are generally more flexible than wills and may avoid some forced-heirship constraints, but they can still be reviewed if they appear fraudulent or intended solely to defeat heirs’ rights.

How can estate planning help my family?

Effective planning with an inheritance attorney can:

• Reduce the risk of conflict among heirs.
• Protect vulnerable relatives.
• Coordinate family inheritance rules in Egypt with foreign tax and succession laws.
• Ensure business continuity and governance after the founder’s death.

What is Islamic inheritance law (Faraid) in Egypt?

Islamic inheritance law, or Faraid, is a system that allocates fixed shares of a Muslim’s estate to specific heirs (spouse, children, parents, and others) based on Qur’anic rules. Egyptian courts apply these rules directly for Muslim estates.

Do daughters inherit less than sons?

In Faraid, when sons and daughters inherit together, each son usually receives twice the share of each daughter. But daughters are guaranteed a share; they cannot be excluded completely if they are legitimate heirs.

Does Islamic inheritance law apply to non-Muslims?

No. It applies to Muslims; non-Muslims may be subject to their own religious or national inheritance rules. However, where no clear alternative applies, courts may still use Faraid as a default.

What is an inheritance (succession) declaration?

It is a court judgment that officially lists the heirs and their shares under the applicable law. Egyptian authorities rely on this declaration to transfer assets like real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles.

Which court handles inheritance in Egypt?

Personal status courts (or family courts) generally hear inheritance and family disputes, while economic or civil courts may be involved for related commercial or property actions.

What if some documents are missing?

Your inheritance lawyer can help reconstruct records through civil registry searches, witness statements, and alternative evidence. However, missing documents often delay the case and may require additional hearings.

Do all heirs need to sign every document?

Not necessarily, but where an agreement is required (e.g., selling jointly inherited property or approving a will beyond one-third), all affected heirs usually must sign or appear before the court.

What can be done if some heirs refuse to divide the estate?

An heir can file a court claim to compel partition or sale of jointly owned property. Courts can order sale by auction and distribution of proceeds when co-owners cannot agree.

How are women protected in family inheritance disputes?

Although women sometimes face pressure to waive their shares, Egyptian law recognizes their full Faraid rights. Courts have increasingly ruled in favor of female heirs and can overturn coerced waivers or fraudulent transfers designed to strip women of their inheritance.

Can we challenge transfers made shortly before death?

Yes. If property was transferred with the intention of evading mandatory inheritance rules or defrauding heirs, a court can annul those transfers and return assets to the estate.

What if an heir killed the deceased?

An heir who intentionally kills the deceased is generally barred from inheriting. This is a well-established principle in both Islamic and Egyptian law.

Which law applies to a foreigner’s estate in Egypt?

Under Article 17 of the Egyptian Civil Code, inheritance, wills and dispositions after death are generally governed by the national law of the deceased at death, though local procedures and public-order rules still apply to assets in Egypt.

Can a foreign will be used to transfer property in Egypt?

Yes, if the will is valid under the law of the testator’s nationality or the place of execution and does not conflict with Egyptian public order. The will usually needs to be legalized and translated, then presented to an Egyptian court in a succession case.

Do foreign heirs need to come to Egypt in person?

Not always. Many procedures can be handled through notarized and legalized powers of attorney granted to an inheritance lawyer in Egypt.

Can foreigners inherit real estate in Egypt?

Yes, but foreign ownership of real estate is subject to specific regulations and, in some areas, restrictions. Foreign heirs should seek advice to confirm whether inherited property can be retained, must be sold, or requires special approval.

How do you handle estates with assets in multiple countries?

Your inheritance attorney coordinates with foreign counsel to synchronize procedures, respect forced-heirship or tax rules abroad, and avoid inconsistent court decisions.