Introduction

Jordan, a land steeped in history and culture, is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra, and offers breathtaking landscapes from the Dead Sea to the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash. This Middle Eastern gem, rich in tradition and hospitality, holds unique opportunities for residents and expatriates alike.

As you marvel at Jordan’s beauty and charm, it is crucial to ensure your legacy is protected through thoughtful estate planning. Whether you are a resident or a foreigner with assets in Jordan, understanding the country’s inheritance laws and estate planning nuances is essential. The Wills App simplifies this process with secure storage and automated distribution of essential documents.

Overview of Estate Planning in Jordan

Estate planning in Jordan is shaped by a blend of cultural, religious, and legal factors. By navigating these frameworks effectively, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Inheritance Laws in Jordan

Under Sharia Law:

• Forced Heirship: Assets are distributed among heirs based on predetermined shares, ensuring fair family distribution.
• Legal Shares: Spouses, children, and parents have specific entitlements. For example, sons generally receive double the share of daughters.

For Non-Muslims:

• Civil Law Application: Estate distribution is governed by the individual’s religion or a will meeting Jordanian legal standards.

Key legislation: Jordanian Personal Status Law

Standard Estate Planning Documents

• Will (Wasiyyah): A directive on asset distribution within Sharia-compliant limits or civil law requirements for non-Muslims.
• Power of Attorney (وكالة عامة): Authorizes an individual to act on your behalf.
• Guardianship Declaration: Assigns guardians for minors.
• Advance Care Directives: Specify medical preferences in incapacitation cases.

Creating a Will or Equivalent Estate Plan in Jordan

Required Documentation

• Government-issued ID
• Detailed list of assets and beneficiaries
• Witnesses (if required by law)

Legal Requirements

• Muslims: Must follow Sharia Law for inheritance and include directives within the legal one-third discretionary rule.
• Non-Muslims: May create wills that align with their faith or civil law, provided they meet notarization standards.

Steps to Drafting a Will

1. List Assets: Include all properties, bank accounts, and valuables.
2. Identify Beneficiaries: Ensure compliance with inheritance laws.
3. Consult Legal Experts: Seek advice to navigate Jordanian regulations.
4. Draft and Sign: Prepare your will with legal witnesses or a notary.
5. Store Securely: Upload to the Wills App for global access and automated distribution.

Navigating Local Challenges in Estate Planning

Challenges

• Complex Sharia Laws: Fixed inheritance shares limit flexibility.
• Legal Variations for Non-Muslims: Different rules apply based on religion and civil law interpretations.

Solutions

• Use the Wills App for secure storage, ensuring your will is accessible when needed.
• Work with local attorneys to navigate Sharia or civil law constraints.

Unique Aspects of Estate Planning in Jordan

• Cultural Norms: Family unity plays a significant role in inheritance. Sons and daughters often share property to maintain family cohesion.
• Guardianship Assignment: Guardianship laws ensure minors are cared for by trusted individuals, which must be explicitly stated in a will.
• Pets in Estate Planning: While pets are valued companions, Jordanian estate laws do not yet address their care directly. The Wills App allows you to include pet care instructions.

Using the Wills App to Secure Your Legacy

Wills App Features

• Secure Document Storage: Safeguard wills, deeds, and directives.
• Automated Distribution: Set inactivity triggers to ensure timely delivery of your documents.
• Scheduled Messages: Share videos and letters with loved ones at significant milestones.

Setting Up Automated Distributions

1. Upload your documents.
2. Define inactivity triggers.
3. Schedule personalized messages or gifts for your family.

Ethical Will and Memory Preservation

With the Wills App, create an ethical will to share your values and memories:

• Record videos of family traditions or stories.
• Write letters for milestones like graduations or weddings.
• Set up messages that deliver life lessons or encouragement.

Example: In Jordan, sharing family recipes or ancestral tales ensures cherished traditions endure.

Key Estate Planning Tips for Jordan

• Understand Sharia Compliance: Ensure your will respects legal shares.
• Work with Experts: Address dual inheritance rules for non-Muslims.
• Secure Your Documents: Use the Wills App for protection and global accessibility.

Summary

Estate planning in Jordan is deeply influenced by cultural and religious norms. Whether navigating Sharia-based inheritance laws or civil processes for non-Muslims, it’s essential to plan ahead. The Wills App provides a secure and effective way to store and distribute your documents globally, ensuring your legacy is preserved seamlessly.