Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we hear most across our services. Every case has its own details — if your question is not here, book a consultation.

Corporate & Business

Company Formation and Incorporation Documents

What is the difference between the articles and a shareholder agreement?

The articles are an official document registered with the competent authority; a shareholder agreement governs the details of the partners' relationship, such as exit, funding and disputes. The two complement each other.

Can the articles be amended after registration?

Yes, through the statutory procedures and with the partners' approval at the ratio set in the articles. We draft the amendment and complete the process.

When do I need a lawyer at incorporation?

When there are several partners, an incoming investor, or partners contributing money and work in different shares; these are the situations that most often lead to disputes.

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Corporate Governance

Is governance only for large companies?

No. Any company with several stakeholders, or where ownership is separate from management, needs governance proportionate to its size.

What is the first step?

Diagnosing the current position: who owns, who manages and who decides, and then turning that into written bylaws and authorities.

Does governance help attract investors?

Yes. Clear powers, oversight and disclosure are among the first things investors and lenders look at.

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Family Business Governance and Family Charters

Is a family charter binding?

Its binding force grows when its provisions are carried into the company's legal documents, such as the articles and agreements, and we help build that link.

Does governance reduce the founder's authority?

Not necessarily. Well-designed governance can preserve the founder's strategic and supervisory role within the law.

When should we start?

Ideally while the founder is present and relations are stable; building rules before a dispute is far easier than during one.

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Mergers and Acquisitions

Why is due diligence important before buying?

It uncovers liabilities, disputes and violations that may not appear in the financial statements, and the buyer bases the price and protections on it.

Does an acquisition need government approval?

Some transactions require notification or approval from competent authorities depending on their size and nature; we identify this at the review stage.

How does the agreement protect the buyer after completion?

Through representations, warranties and indemnities that hold the seller responsible for pre-existing liabilities.

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Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

What is the difference between a share grant and an option?

A grant gives the employee shares on set conditions; an option gives the right to buy shares at a set price within a set period.

What happens to an employee's shares if they leave?

The plan rules decide this, so we address resignation, dismissal, death and disability clearly when drafting.

Is a plan suitable for small companies?

Yes. It can be designed to fit the company's size and stage without unnecessary complexity.

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Drafting Regulations and Bylaws

What is the difference between a policy and a bylaw?

A bylaw is a binding text that sets rules and powers; a policy guides decisions on a specific subject; a procedure describes the steps to carry it out.

How long does drafting take?

It depends on the scope and the information available; we set a clear timeline after reviewing your needs.

Should bylaws be reviewed when a new law is issued?

Yes. A new or amended law may require updating the related bylaws, and we carry out that review.

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Mining Investment

What are a licensee's main obligations?

Complying with the licence conditions, the work programme and the statutory environmental and financial requirements; we explain what applies to your case.

Can foreigners invest in mining?

Yes, within the rules governing investment and licensing, and we guide you through them.

What should I do if a mining penalty is issued?

We review the decision, its grounds and the objection deadlines, and file the objection or grievance on time.

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Advisory

Legal Advisory for Individuals, Companies and Authorities

How do I book a consultation?

Fill in the booking form or message us on WhatsApp, and one of our consultants will contact you to set a time.

Can the consultation be remote?

Yes. It can be held at our office or remotely, whichever suits you.

What should I bring?

A summary of the matter and any documents, contracts and correspondence you have; this makes the advice more precise and faster.

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Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property and Trademarks

When should I register my trademark?

Before launch or as early as possible; registration is the basis for protection and for acting against unauthorised use.

What should I do if someone copies my product?

Document the infringement and keep the evidence, then contact us to choose the right step: a warning, a complaint or a lawsuit.

Does a mark registered abroad protect me in Saudi Arabia?

Protection is territorial, so we recommend registering in Saudi Arabia if you do business here.

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Disputes & Litigation

Commercial Cases

Which documents matter most in a commercial case?

The contract, correspondence, invoices, statements of account and delivery records; they are the basis of proof.

Must we try to settle before suing?

We always consider settlement where it is worthwhile, and some claims have pre-filing requirements that we explain at the review stage.

Can we claim compensation for delay?

It depends on the contract, the type of loss and its proof; we assess each case individually.

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Corporate Bankruptcy

What is the difference between protective settlement and reorganisation?

Both aim to save the business; they differ in the degree of distress and the extent of court involvement. We identify the right one for your case.

Does opening a procedure protect the company from claims?

Opening certain procedures affects claims and enforcement; we explain the scope for each procedure.

How does a creditor protect its rights?

By filing its claim on time with supporting documents, following the procedure and objecting when needed.

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Finance and Banking Cases

Where are disputes with finance companies heard?

Specific adjudicating bodies have jurisdiction depending on the type of financier and dispute; we identify the competent body before filing.

Can finance fees be challenged?

Yes, if they breach the contract or the applicable rules; we review the contract and statement to assess this.

What if I am asked to pay an amount I believe is wrong?

Request a detailed statement, do not sign any acknowledgement before reviewing it, and contact us to assess your position.

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Insurance Cases

My claim was rejected — what should I do?

Ask for the reason in writing, keep the policy and all correspondence, and we will assess whether the rejection is justified under the policy terms.

Is there a time limit for insurance claims?

Yes, claims are subject to time limits, so we advise acting promptly after the loss.

Can a policy be reviewed before signing?

Yes, and it is the best time to understand the exclusions and ask for changes that suit your business.

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Tax and Customs Cases

How long do I have to object to a tax assessment?

Objection deadlines are short and run from notification of the decision, so contact us as soon as you receive it.

Can a penalty be reduced?

In certain cases yes, depending on the reason for the violation, its correction and the circumstances; we assess this after reviewing the file.

What is needed to prepare an objection?

The contested decision, returns, invoices and the relevant accounting records.

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Labour Cases

Must I go through amicable settlement before court?

A labour dispute usually goes through an amicable settlement stage and, if no agreement is reached, is referred to the labour court.

What should I bring for my labour case?

The contract, payslips, correspondence, any termination letter and documents proving what you are owed.

Is there a time limit for labour claims?

Yes. The Labour Law sets a period after which a labour claim is no longer accepted, so do not delay.

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Real Estate and Endowment Cases

The developer is late delivering my unit — what are my options?

It depends on the contract and the rules governing off-plan sales; options may include compensation or termination, and we assess this after reviewing the contract.

Can I challenge expropriation compensation?

Yes, within the statutory procedures and deadlines, and we help you prove the property's fair value.

Can an endowment administrator be removed?

Yes, if the grounds are proven before the competent court; we file and prove the claim.

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Personal Status (Family) Cases

Will my case remain confidential?

Yes. We handle family cases in strict confidence, shared only with the team members working on them.

What decides custody?

The child's best interests are the main standard, together with the provisions of the Personal Status Law.

Can we agree without going to court?

Yes, and we help draft an agreement that protects everyone's rights and is formally documented where possible.

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Administrative Cases

Must I file a grievance before suing?

In many administrative claims a grievance must first be filed with the body within a set period; we take care of this from the first step.

What is the deadline for an administrative claim?

Statutory deadlines vary by type of claim and missing them may extinguish the right, so contact us early.

Can I claim compensation for a decision that was annulled?

Yes, if the decision caused proven harm; we assess this according to the circumstances.

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Criminal and Administrative Corruption Cases

When do I need a criminal lawyer?

From the first summons or investigation; what is said and recorded at that stage affects the whole case.

Can a lawyer attend the investigation with me?

The accused has the right to legal assistance as provided by the procedural laws, and we attend and follow up.

Will my information stay confidential?

Yes. Strict confidentiality is fundamental to our criminal work.

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Arbitration Disputes

What are the advantages of arbitration over court?

Usually speed, confidentiality, arbitrators with expertise in the subject, and flexible procedures.

Can an arbitral award be challenged?

An award is not appealed like a court judgment, but an annulment action may be brought on limited statutory grounds within a set period.

Do I need a written arbitration clause?

Yes. The agreement to arbitrate must be in writing, either in the contract or in a later agreement.

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Estates & Endowments

Estate Liquidation and Division

When do heirs need a lawyer?

When the estate includes property, companies or debts, when heirs disagree, or when division is delayed. Early involvement reduces conflict and cost.

Can an estate be divided without going to court?

Yes, if the heirs agree; we draft and document the agreement to protect every heir's share.

What if one heir refuses the division?

The matter can be taken to court for division or accounting; we usually attempt settlement before litigation.

What documents are needed to start?

The heirs' certificate, property deeds, and any available bank statements and commercial registrations; we help you complete what is missing.

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