Legal Pillar
Wills and Succession Certificates, Prepared to Protect Your Family
Will drafting, succession certificates and legal heir certificates for NRIs, prepared to hold up in Indian courts and prevent disputes among family members.
What is included
- Will drafting, valid under Indian succession law
- Succession certificate applications
- Legal heir certificate assistance
- Guidance on registering the Will with the Sub-Registrar
At a Glance
Quick summary
Quick Summary
A Will or succession certificate prepared incorrectly, or not prepared at all, can leave your family in India facing years of court delays and disputes over your property.
Who Needs This Service
- NRIs who own property, investments or bank accounts in India
- Families needing a succession certificate after a relative passed away without a Will
- Anyone wanting to avoid disputes among heirs over Indian assets
- Legal heirs needing certification to claim property, bank accounts or benefits
Problems We Solve
Dying without a valid Will in India can mean years in court for your family
The problem
- Without a Will, Indian succession law decides who inherits, not your wishes
- A succession certificate can take months to obtain without someone following up locally
- Family members can disagree over division of assets, leading to prolonged disputes
- Banks and registrars often reject documents that are incomplete or incorrectly worded
Our solution
- We draft a Will that clearly reflects your wishes and holds up under Indian law
- We prepare and file succession certificate applications, followed up in person
- Clear, well-documented Wills reduce the chance of disputes between heirs
- Documents are prepared to the standard banks and registrars actually require
How It Works
Our Will and succession process
1
Free consultation
We understand your assets in India and how you want them distributed.
2
Document collection
Property records, ID documents and family details are gathered and reviewed.
3
Drafting
Your Will or certificate application is drafted and shared for your review.
4
Finalized and filed
The document is finalized, and filed with the court or registrar where needed.
What We Handle
Every part of succession planning, covered
Will Drafting
Will drafting, valid under Indian succession law for all NRI income categories.
Succession Certificate
Court application and follow-up to obtain a succession certificate for a deceased relative.
Legal Heir Certificate
Certification confirming legal heirs, needed to claim property or bank accounts.
Will Registration
Guidance on Will registration and safekeeping so it is easy to locate when needed.
Process Details
Government Authority Involved
Government Authority Involved
Succession certificates are granted by the local District Court under the Indian Succession Act, while Wills can optionally be registered with the Sub-Registrar for added legal weight.
Typical Fee Components
- Court fee for a succession certificate application, based on the asset value
- Registration fee if you choose to register your Will
- Our professional fee for drafting and court follow-up
Good to Know
Common mistakes and important notes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a verbal understanding among family is enough without a written Will
- Leaving out specific asset details, which can cause disputes over interpretation
- Not appointing an executor, which can slow down how the Will is carried out
- Delaying a succession certificate application, which allows disputes to grow
Important Notes
- A Will can be updated any time by making a new one that revokes the earlier version
- A succession certificate process typically requires the court to issue a public notice first
- Registering a Will is optional but makes it harder to dispute or misplace
- Keep a list of your assets and account details somewhere your family can access
Common Questions
Wills and succession FAQ
Case Study
A real-world example
An NRI in the US lost her father, who had not left a Will, and Indian bank accounts and property were frozen pending legal heir documentation. We filed for a succession certificate, coordinated with the other heirs, and followed up with the court until it was granted, allowing the family to access the accounts and transfer the property.
Related Legal Services
You may also need
Power of Attorney
Get your Power of Attorney sorted so a representative can act for you in India.
Property Title Verification
Confirm the property named in the Will is clear of disputes or title issues.
Legal Notice & Dispute Resolution
Support if a succession or inheritance matter turns into a dispute.
Ready to put a Will or succession certificate in place?
Book a free consultation and we will walk you through what your family needs.