Can I make a will without a lawyer in India?

Asked by: Heath Haley  |  Last update: September 17, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (6 votes)

As they mentioned, writing a will without a lawyer is not difficult. Just find a simple format or template online and print it. After that, make a list of each of your self-owned assets and mention who gets what after your death. Mention the executor or the person who will ensure your wishes are carried out.

Is self written will legal in India?

Yes, the handwritten Wills are legal in India. However, they need to be legible and should also follow the criterions or the essentials of a valid will. What is a valid Will in India? If any Will has the essentials mentioned in it along with the proper intention of the testator, it is valid.

Is a notarized will valid in India?

Ensure that the witness is a trustworthy person and should not be a beneficiary to avoid the conflict of interest. There is no need to notarize a will in India and thus need not to notarize the signatures of the witnesses in the presence of a notary.

How much does a will cost in India?

Roughly, preparing a Will may cost you from a few hundred to several thousand rupees. The cost of making a Will in India is between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, which includes the cost of only preparing the Will.

How can I make my own will in India?

A Will can be hand-written or typed. It is to be written clearly specifying one's personal details, family details, property details, bequeath details, and details of both witnesses. One must make sure that his/her Will is created when one is mentally sound, without any fear, force, coercion, or undue influence.

How To Make a Valid Will In Less Than Four Minutes

44 related questions found

Is an American will valid in India?

A foreign will, once proved and deposited in a court of competent jurisdiction, or a properly authenticated copy of the will and letters of administration will be recognised by the Indian Courts.

How can NRI make a will in India?

If such concerns do not exist, registration can be omitted. It is important for NRIs to be physically present in India for registering a will in the country. They can also consider attesting the will abroad at the local embassy as per an established process.

Does an Indian will need to be registered?

​Are wills mandatory to be registered? No, there is no legal requirement to register a will. It does not even have to be on a stamp paper or notarised.

How long is a registered will valid in India?

Since a will deals with the inheritance details of all types of movable and immovable property and it comes into effect after the death of the testator, it can still be challenged even if the creator is dead. In fact, a will can be challenged up to 12 years from the death of the testator.

How long is a will valid in India?

A will exists in perpetuity and is valid for time-immemorial after the death of the testator and there is no bar on its enforcement. The beneficiary in whose name the will is written gets an indefinite right to get it executed anytime after the death of the testator as the will remains valid for time immemorial.

Can a family member witness a will in India?

However, as per the Indian Succession Act, 1925, a beneficiary under a will cannot be a witness to the same and hence in the facts of your case, the will cannot be attested by your son and daughter-in-law and the same will have to be attested by two or more persons who are not beneficiaries.

Is probate mandatory in India?

Under Indian law probate of the will is not mandatory. But obtaining the probate of a will is advisable to avoid future complications on the distribution of property. If the will is probate then the legal heir can easily obtain the property ownership.

What are the different types of wills in India?

Types of Wills in India
  • Privileged Will. Privileged Will is governed under the provision of Section 65 of the Act. ...
  • Unprivileged Will. Unprivileged Will is governed under the provision of Section 63 of the Act. ...
  • Conditional Will. ...
  • Concurrent Will. ...
  • Mutual Will.

What happens if no will is made in India?

As per the Hindu Succession Act, 1965, if a person dies intestate, his property would go to Class I heirs. If the Class I heirs do not exist, then the property would be delegated to Class II heirs. However, if both the Class I and Class II heirs are not alive, then the property would be transferred to Agnates.

What happens if a will is not registered in India?

Unregistered wills are regarded as legitimate in India since registration of a will is optional. It is legally suggested to register a will but there is no mandatory requirement for the same.

What documents are required for making a will in India?

Documentation Required
  • Identity proof such as PAN card, Aadhar card, etc of the testator and the witnesses.
  • A mental fitness certificate from a qualified medical professional for the testator.
  • Passport-sized photos of the testator as well as the witnesses.

How long does it take to execute a will in India?

The entire process of Probate of Will takes at least six to nine months to complete. However, if there is any objection to the public regarding the Will, then the Probate of Will process can even take up to 2 years to get completed, depending upon the seriousness of the objection.

Where should the will be registered in India?

The registration of will can be done in a sub-registrar's office in the jurisdiction of the residence of the person who is making a will. How to register a will in the Sub-registrar office? Draft a will for the property and other assets, preferably with the help of an advocate for drafting.

Can unregistered will be challenged in India?

A will, whether it is registered or unregistered, is always open to challenge. If the court accepts the challenge, the Will must then go through the complete trial procedure as per Will laws and become a lawsuit.

Can an American inherit property in India?

Will: One of the ways that NRIs can inherit properties in India is through a Will. NRIs themselves can transfer the property to other NRIs by making through a Will. However, in the said circumstance, the permission of RBI will be required.

Can US citizen of Indian origin inherit property in India?

A Non-Resident Indian or a Foreign national such as UK, US or Canadian citizens can inherit the property in India from anyone including their relatives. The NRI can inherit property in India even from another NRI, subject to certain conditions.

Can NRI sell property in India without coming to India?

Digital India has indeed made our lives easy and this is one of such examples. An NRI can sell property anytime but he or she will need some documents like: Title of the property (which is in the seller's name) Occupation Certificate from the municipal corporation in India.

Can I register my will online in India?

A person's will registration online may be carried out at any moment during their lifetime. However, there is no limitation or restriction on the number of times a testator can make or modify a will. However, the only legitimate and enforceable Will is the one made by the testator just before his death.

Can I make will outside India?

Get the will attested from the Notary Public office. Register the will in the local equivalent of the registrar's office. If you are outside of India at the time of making the will get it registered at the local Indian Consulate.

Is it better to have a will or a trust in India?

Making a Will is relevant for families with limited assets. In the case of wealthy families, forming a Trust to distribute the assets is a better option. An individual who creates a Trust can even allocate a percentage of the money for philanthropy if they want.