Procedure For Registration Of Will After Death In India

By Author: NRI Legal
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Have you ever found yourself in the overwhelming position of handling a loved one’s affairs after their passing, particularly the management of their assets and Will? This process can be even more challenging for NRIs who have to manage the estate and Will from afar, adding stress and confusion to an already unfortunate situation. Moreover, there are several misconceptions surrounding the registration of a Will after death in India. For instance, many individuals believe that simply drafting a Will is sufficient to ensure its implementation after death, registration is only essential for those with significant assets, or that registration requires complex legal procedures and high fees. In reality however, it is important to register a drafted Will to authenticate its validity, avoid familial disputes, and ensure its smooth execution. Regardless of the size of the estate, registration ensures that the deceased’s wishes are legally recognized and followed. While the process requires completion of certain legal formalities, it can be efficiently managed with the help of expert lawyers.
Although not mandatory, Will registration ...
... after death is crucial for NRIs to avoid delays in handling of the deceased’s assets and deal with the complexities of unfamiliar Indian inheritance laws. At A&A NRI Legal Advisory, we understand the unique challenges faced by our clients and are committed to providing clear and comprehensive guidance about the procedure for registration of Will after death in India. Understanding the process Will help you minimize potential legal hurdles and ensure a smoother transition of the assets to legal beneficiaries.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Registration of Will After Death
Registration is essential to ensure the validity and legal enforceability of the Will. Understanding this process is important for executors and beneficiaries for smooth administration of the decedent’s estate. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the procedure for the registration of a Will after death in India:
Step 1: Collect the Original Will
The first step is to locate and collect the original copy of the deceased person’s Will. It should ideally be labeled as the ‘last and final Will’ and must be free from any alterations or tampering. Remember, a testator can register only a single Will.
Step 2: Obtain Death Certificate
Before proceeding with the registration, it is necessary to obtain the death certificate of the deceased from the local municipal authority. This certificate serves as proof of the individual’s demise and is required for various legal formalities.
Step 3: Identify the Appropriate Jurisdiction
The next step involves determining the jurisdiction under which the Will is to be registered. This is usually the jurisdiction where the deceased person resided at the time of their death. The Sub-Registrar Office within that jurisdiction is responsible for the registration.
Step 4: Visit the Sub-Registrar Office
Once the jurisdiction is identified, visit the Sub-Registrar Office along with the original Will, death certificate, and other necessary documents. Section 40 of the Registration Act 1908 allows any person named or claiming as executor under a Will, to present the Will to any Registrar or Sub-Registrar for registration.
Step 5: Submit Application for Registration
The executor is required to make an application to the Sub-Registrar in the prescribed format, accompanied by the required fee. Several documents must be submitted along with the application, including a copy of the Will, affidavits from the executor and two witnesses, address and ID proof the testator, and the death certificate. Section 41 of the Registration Act clarifies that the Will may be registered if the registering officer is satisfied that the Will was executed by the testator, the testator is dead, and the person presenting the Will is entitled to present the same under section 40 of the Act.
Step 5: Publication of Notice
After the submission of the application, the executor publishes a notice in the local newspapers (one in an English daily and one in a Hindi daily) inviting objections from the general public regarding the genuineness of the Will or claims under it.
Step 6: Attend Registration Appointment
The Sub-Registrar Will schedule an appointment for the registration. Both the executor of the Will and two witnesses must be present at the Sub-Registrar Office on the scheduled date. The Sub-Registrar Will verify the identity of all parties. The witnesses must state that the testator was of sound mind and at the time of execution of the Will and executed it with free consent. The Sub-Registrar may inquire into every material fact relating to the executor, beneficiaries, witnesses, properties under the Will, circumstances of execution of Will, and circumstances surrounding the death of the testator.
Step 7: Obtain Registration Certificate
Once satisfied with the genuineness of the documents and witnesses, the Sub-Registrar Will issue a registration certificate, confirming the Will’s registration and authenticity.
Step 8: Preservation of Registered Will
Once registered, the Will is preserved by the Sub-Registrar Office. Certified copies of the registered Will can be obtained by the executor or beneficiaries for their records.
Step 9: Gazette Publication
The Sub-Registrar may publish a notice of the registration in the official Gazette. This serves as a public record of the existence of the Will.
Step 10: Safekeeping of Original Will
Finally, ensure that the original registered Will is safely preserved to prevent loss or damage. Copies of the Will can be distributed to beneficiaries as required.
Following these steps ensures that the Will is legally registered and its provisions are enforceable according to Indian law.
Conclusion:
he process of registering a Will in India after the death of a loved one, especially for NRIs, involves several important steps and considerations. From collecting the original Will to attending the registration appointment at the Sub-Registrar Office, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are properly documented and legally enforceable. Publication of notices and safekeeping of the original Will further solidify the legality and authenticity of the document.
Though the steps involved in navigating foreign legal procedures may appear straightforward, the process can be daunting without professional assistance. NRI Legal Advisory offers expert guidance that can greatly reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with registering a Will. By ensuring the deceased's wishes are honored, they provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on grieving and supporting your family during difficult times. For more information and to avail of their services, visit their website at https://www.nrilegalservice.com/will-drafting/ or contact them at +91-7428899979.