That’s the way I read it, too, based upon Provided the will is signed in accordance with the requirements set out in the Wills Act 1837, there is nothing to prevent an English domiciled person choosing to dispose of their assets in accordance with Sharia succession rules.
The asset disposition will be in full accordance with the English Wills Act. Sounds like much ado about nothing.
I believe the same thing exists for Jewish clients, or at least it does in parts of the US.
As I understand it, English law gives children and wives rights to a portion of their husband’s estate, even if the husband specifically removes his children or wife from his will.
Using Sharia law now says if a Muslim wants to remove his wife or child from his will, or remove anyone who is not Muslim from his will, he can now do so, whereas before he was required to give a portion to them whether he wanted to or not.
It seems a strange concept to me, to be forced to give money to my wife or kids if I deem them undeserving of my assets, but that’s apparently what UK law enshrined, prior to allowing Muslins to violate the law.
Of course, I could be wrong about this, I’m no lawyer!
Ed