STEP handbook on DIFC Wills and Probate Registry

STEP is the worldwide professional association for those advising families across generations. We promote best practice, professional integrity and education to our members. Our members help families plan for their futures: from drafting a will or advising family businesses, to helping international families and protecting vulnerable family members. Today we have over 20,000 members across 95 countries. They include lawyers, accountants and other trust and estate specialists.

What we do

Our primary purpose is to support members in their careers, providing professional development and technical information, and protecting their reputation by maintaining high professional standards.

Training and development

We offer a number of qualifications, from entry-level programmes to advanced certificates and diplomas. These qualifications are supplemented by resources that provide continuing professional development and opportunities for sharing knowledge.

Professional standards

All of our members are subject to an extensive Code of Professional Conduct, requiring them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the wider community. Our members are also required to keep up to date with the latest legal, technical and regulatory developments. You can recognise a Full Member of STEP by the letters ‘TEP’ (Trusts and Estates Practitioner) after their name.

What our members do

Our members work with families, helping them with real problems. Some examples of what our members advise on are: providing for a husband following his wife’s death, while protecting the interests of their children; ensuring elderly or vulnerable relatives are cared for and supported; helping families with interests spread across the world to be compliant with the

laws and tax rules of different countries; ensuring that a family business will pass safely from one generation to another; and helping clients to support charitable causes in an effective way.

Public policy

We take a leading role in explaining our members’ views and expertise to governments, tax authorities, regulators and the public. We work with governments and regulatory authorities all over the world to examine the likely impact of any proposed changes, providing technical advice and support and responding to consultations.

The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry supports the principles of creating a strong and effective justice system, as envisioned by the Dubai Plan 2021, and is a shining example of why 2015 has been declared the UAE year of innovation.

For further information on the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry please contact enquiries@jamesberrylaw.ae.