Is will still valid in India?

Asked by: Adell Gleichner  |  Last update: November 10, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (23 votes)

Improper execution of will: A will is considered valid only if the testator signs it in the presence of at least two witnesses. Further, the witnesses must have signed the will in the presence of the testator. Pednekar says Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act makes this mandatory.

Is a US will valid in India?

Wills made in other jurisdiction are not automatically enforceable in India. Under the Act, an ancillary probate can be granted to authenticate a foreign will.

How long is a will valid in India?

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. There is no expiry date in case of Will and no authority can enforce a restriction or limit on the time period of execution of will.

How do I prove a will is valid in India?

Proving of 'Will':

Will needs to be attested by two or more witnesses, each of whom must have seen the testator sign or affix his mark to the 'Will' and further, each of the witnesses to the 'Will' should have signed the 'Will' with the requisite animus attestandi.

What makes a will invalid in India?

Any part of a will that has been forced or induced to be made by force, coercion, or threat or whatever has not been drawn while writing a will with free consent is invalid and not enforceable by law.

Are Joint Wills Valid in India? Key Insights & Legal Advice Explained! #will #jointwill #property

25 related questions found

Is a notarized will valid in India?

The answer is yes, a notarised Will is valid in court. The Indian Succession Act, 1925, doesn't mandate a Will to be notarised or registered. Even a simple handwritten Will (Holographic Will) is considered valid if it fulfills certain criteria, like being signed by the testator and witnessed by two individuals.

Can an NRI make a will in India?

Yes, but it's best to create separate wills for assets in different countries to avoid jurisdictional conflicts. 3. What if an NRI dies without a will in India? The property is distributed per applicable succession laws, which can lead to lengthy legal proceedings.

Is it mandatory to register a will in India?

Is registration of a Will mandatory? No, as per the provisions of Section 18 of the Indian Registration Act, registration of Will document is not mandatory. However, it is advisable.

Who keeps the original copy of a will in India?

Who keeps the original copy of a will in India? In India, the testator (the person who made the will) can keep the original or give it to a trustee, lawyer, or in a bank locker.

Can a will be challenged after 12 years in India?

Under the Indian Penal Code, the time limit to challenge a registered Will in India has been set as up to 12 years of its drafting. However, legal experts state that the more time passes before contesting a Will, the higher the burden on the challenger to prove its flaw.

Can I make a will without a lawyer in India?

Yes, it is possible to make a will without a lawyer in India. However, seeking legal advice is advisable to ensure the will complies with all legal requirements. Legal professionals can guide individuals through the process, ensuring the will is clear, valid, and effectively reflects the testator's intentions.

Is a will still valid after 30 years?

How Long is a Will Legally Valid? A will remains legally valid throughout the entire probate process, however long it takes. There is no expiration date on probating a will after someone passes away.

What is the cost of registering a will in India?

The cost of making a Will in India is between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, which includes the cost of only preparing the Will. There is no need to pay any government fees to register a Will, except for the nominal scanning and photocopy charges.

Can you inherit property in India if you are a US citizen?

Yes, foreign citizens can inherit property in india. Though they have no right to acquire land meant for farming purposes directly; such people are allowed to do so through inheritance procedures. But then there might be limitations imposed on selling this type of property.

Is an executor necessary for a will in India?

It is not mandatory to name an executor in the will.

Is a will from another country valid in the US?

Wills executed outside the US will be considered valid as long as they are valid wherever executed. However, to ensure a will is valid in a specific state, it is best to execute the will with the formalities required in that jurisdiction.

Does a will need to be notarized 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.

What happens if a will is not followed after death?

However, if you feel an executor is not satisfying the requirements of the will, and is actively defying the wishes of the deceased, there are steps you can take to have them removed. A probate court monitors the probate process, which means the probate court can also have an executor removed.

Can the executor of will sell property in India?

(i) One of several executors has power to release a debt due to the deceased. (ii) One has power to surrender a lease. (iii) One has power to sell the property of the deceased whether movable or immovable.

What happens if a person dies without a will in India?

In general, the immediate family members have priority in the distribution of assets. Spouses, children, parents, and siblings are typically considered primary beneficiaries, and their shares may vary based on factors such as gender, marital status, and the presence of other legal heirs.

Is unregistered will legal in India?

What happens if a will is unregistered? A will is a crucial legal document that outlines the property distribution after the demise of an individual. In India, it is not mandatory to register a will with relevant authorities. The absence of registration does not render the will null and void.

How to check if a will is registered in India?

Registration stamp should should be there on the will and on the normal will paper there is not registration stamp. Registration number should be there on the registered will paper. if on the will paper there is no where mention any registration number, you can get it registered.

Can OCI inherit property in India?

OCI cardholders are allowed to inherit property in India; however, they cannot possess agricultural land and must follow the legal processes for handling and returning inherited funds to their home country.

What is the best way to make a will in India?

Writing a Will: Step-by-Step Guide for First Timers
  1. Step 1: Gather Family and Assets Details. ...
  2. Step 2: Identify Beneficiaries. ...
  3. Step 3: Distribution and Bequeath. ...
  4. Step 4: Get the help of a legal professional to draft your Will. ...
  5. Step 5: Appoint an Executor When You Write Will. ...
  6. Step 6: Signing and storing your Will safely.

Can NRI give power of attorney without coming to India?

The Power of Attorney can be executed in India or overseas where the NRI/OCI customer is residing. NRIs can use a specific Power of Attorney to authorise an individual to purchase a property in India, on their behalf.