SJC President to QNA: No Filed Lawsuits Since Implementing Law on Procedures for Dividing Inheritances -2-

Head of the family documentation department at the Family Court Judge Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Roumi stressed the department's keenness to provide many facilities to expedite the procedures for settling and dividing inheritances, noting that the department has provided electronic services through the courts' application, and through the courts' electronic portal, in addition to electronic services related to the procedures for dividing inheritances, and is currently working on expanding the procedures for implementing estate distribution sessions to be done virtually, using video communication applications via the family documentation system. In his statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), head of the family documentation department noted the coordination with the competent authorities in the country to organize the procedures for exchanging data and information related to estates electronically, pointing to the introduction of updates to enhance the connection with the competent authorities to automate all pro cedures, ensuring accuracy, correctness, comprehensiveness and speed of implementation with high quality that guarantees prompt justice. Judge Dr. Khalid Al Roumi highlighted some provisions of Law No. (4) of 2023 regarding the procedures for dividing inheritances, indicating that the law stipulates dividing the estate among the heirs according to their legal shares, by consent or by court order through the administration. He also introduced a new procedure by appointing a commissioner for the estate from among the heirs to manage its funds and preserve them until they are divided and distributed. This is to avoid loss in the event that the management of projects or real estate stops until the division process is completed. He explained that in the event of a disagreement between the heirs, the law assigns the General Authority for Minors' Affairs (GAMA) with the task, as the Authority undertakes to list and inventory the estate immediately upon notification of the death, and to inquire about the deceased's funds inside and outside the country and deposit them in the estate account approved by the Authority. The law also stipulates that the debts of the deceased be paid and wills and endowments be implemented under the supervision of the judge, and before distributing the estate, in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia. The law also requires the heirs to initiate the procedures for inventorying the heirs and dividing the estate within a month of death, and to submit a request to obtain a certificate of inventory of the estate within 30 days from the date of registration of the death. If the heirs do not submit a request for the certificate within the specified period, the judge has the right to take measures to identify the heirs and oblige them or one of them to appear before him with witnesses to issue this certificate. Dr. Al Roumi confirmed, in his statements to QNA that Law No. (4) of 2023 regarding the procedures for dividing inheritances obliges medical authorities to inform the family docum entation department at the Supreme Judiciary Council and the General Authority for Minors' Affairs of deaths inside and outside the country in cases of travel or residence abroad within 7 days from the date of registration of the death. Regarding estates outside the country, Judge Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Roumi explained that the family documentation department has worked in coordination with GAMA during the past period to process and settle estates outside the country, noting that the law has granted it the right to take the necessary measures to inventory and bring estate funds to its account, with the aim of providing the greatest possible guarantees for the rights of the heirs and ensuring the speed of its implementation, while obligating governmental and non-governmental agencies, heirs and interested parties inside and outside the country to provide the Authority with the data and information necessary to inventory the estate within 7 days from the date of their announcement by the national address or an y means that serves knowledge. Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Roumi concluded his statements to QNA by stressing that the Law on the procedures for dividing inheritances is unparalleled in the region, as it contributes to achieving prompt justice and reducing litigation procedures, in addition to its important role in achieving social protection and preserving the rights of minors, preserving their legitimate and legal rights in estates, as well as strengthening the bonds of family relations among heirs. Source: Qatar News Agency