MOSCOW, March 14 (RAPSI) - The Law Society of England and Wales has published a practice note advising solicitors in the application of Sharia law to wills and other succession issues, according to an announcement issued by the Society Thursday.

The Law Society, an independent professional body that aims to promote high standards within the profession, publishes practice notes in order to represent its view of the best practices in a given field.

As long as a will is signed properly under local law, clients in England and Wales are free to bequeath their assets in accordance with Sharia laws.

The announcement notes that Sharia laws tend to vary in different countries and within different sects of Islam. The Law Society opted in its practice note to focus the on Sunni interpretation of the law.

Three key steps distinguish the drafting of a will under Sharia law, as opposed to standard practice.  “Firstly, the cost of the burial and any debts must be paid. Secondly, a third of the estate may be given to charities or individuals who are not obligatory heirs. Finally, the remainder is given to a defined set of ‘primary’ and then ‘residual’ heirs,” according to the announcement.

Speaking about the decision to publish the note, Law Society President Nicholas Fluck said, "There is a wide variety of spiritual, religious and cultural beliefs within our population, and the Law Society wants to support its members so they can help clients from all backgrounds," as quoted in the announcement.