Inheritance Rights
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Kuwaiti National Law
What is this right?
Inheritance in Kuwait follows Islamic succession rules as codified in the Personal Status Law:
- Fixed shares are assigned to specific heirs — spouses, parents, children, and siblings receive Quran-prescribed portions.
- A male heir generally receives double the share of a female heir of the same degree.
- A surviving wife receives 1/8 of the estate if there are children, or 1/4 if there are none.
- A surviving husband receives 1/4 of the estate if there are children, or 1/2 if there are none.
- A person may make a wasiyya (will) for up to 1/3 of the estate to non-heirs. Bequests exceeding 1/3 require the consent of all heirs.
- Non-Muslims do not inherit from Muslims and vice versa under Kuwaiti law.
When does it apply?
- A family member has passed away and you need to understand your inheritance share.
- You want to write a will (wasiyya) to distribute part of your estate.
- There is a dispute among heirs about the division of the estate.
What should you do?
- Apply to the court for a certificate of heirs that lists all legal beneficiaries.
- If you want to leave a bequest, draft a wasiyya with a lawyer and have it notarised — keep it within the 1/3 limit.
- File a claim in the Family Court if other heirs are blocking your share or concealing assets.
- Debts and funeral costs are paid before any inheritance is distributed.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume you can disinherit a legal heir — fixed shares are mandatory under the law.
- Do not distribute the estate informally without a court order — this can lead to disputes and legal challenges later.
- Do not delay filing — there is no statute of limitations, but assets can be dissipated over time.
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