Advocate Vidya Devarajan

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Yato Dharmastato Jayah - motto supreme court of India
Lawyer Logo
Yato Dharmastato Jayah
- motto supreme court of India
Advocate Vidya Devarajan

Vidya Devarajan
B.Sc., L.L.M, Master's in Cyber Law
Advocate at High Court of Madras

Trusted Legal Advisor in Guduvancheri

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Wills and Probation

FAQ:
What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that specifies how a person’s assets and properties should be distributed after their death. For example, if you own a house and some investments, your Will can state that your spouse receives the house, and your children inherit the investments.

Who can make a Will in India?

Any person who is of sound mind and at least 18 years old can make a Will in India. For instance, you, as a 35-year-old adult, can draft a Will to distribute your property as per your wish.

Can a Will be changed or revoked?

Yes, you can change or revoke my Will at any time. For instance, if you decide to add or remove a person you can create a new Will reflecting this change.

What happens if someone dies without a Will?

If you die intestate (without a Will), your assets will be distributed according to the laws of inheritance. For example, if you have a spouse and two children, the property will be divided as per the applicable laws (e.g., Hindu Succession Act, Muslim Personal Law), or the legal heirs can file a partition suit for the court to share the property / assets to the legal heirs.

Is registration of a Will mandatory in India?

Registration of a Will is not mandatory, but advisable. For example, if you register the Will, it may help prevent disputes among my heirs, as it serves as stronger evidence of my intentions.

How can I challenge a Will in India?

You can challenge a Will in court on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity or fraud. For example, if your sibling presented a Will that you believe was forged, you can file a suit to contest its validity.

What is probate, and is it necessary?

Probate is the legal process through which a Will is validated by the court. While probate is not mandatory for all Wills, it is mandatory for Wills that involve properties located in metropolitan cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata if those properties fall within the jurisdiction of the respective High Courts. This requirement ensures that the Will is legally recognized and helps prevent disputes over the distribution of assets among heirs.

Can a Will include guardianship provisions for minors?

Yes, you can include provisions for the guardianship of your minor children in your Will. For example, you may specify that if you pass away, your sister will be the guardian of your children.

Is it possible to include conditions in a Will?

Yes, you can include conditions in your Will. For instance, you might state that your son will inherit your property only after he turns 25.

Can I disinherit someone from my Will?

Yes, you can choose to disinherit someone. For example, if you have a strained relationship with one of your children, you may decide to leave your assets to your other child instead.

What should I do if I lose my Will?

If you lose the Will, you should draft a new one. However, if the original Will can be proven to have existed, it may still influence the distribution of your assets. Therefore, it’s advisable to file a missing complaint at the concerned police station immediately after realizing the Will is lost. If the testator has died and the Will is missing, it is necessary to obtain a non-traceable certificate from the police station to demonstrate that the original Will cannot be found.

FAQ: Will and Probate for NRI's
Can a foreigner/NRI create a Will for property in India?

Yes, a foreigner/NRI can create a Will for property owned in India. For instance, if you are a non-resident Indian living abroad and own a property in India, you can draft a Will specifying how you want that property to be distributed after your demise.

** the answers provide above are generic questions we've received from our clients. We advise you to contact an advocate and get a legal advice for your situation before proceeding with any further actions.

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