What is the cost of probate in India?
Asked by: Zoie Vandervort II | Last update: January 12, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)
All this work takes three to 12 months, and court fee is about Rs30 to 40 thousand and legal charges will be Rs30,000 to Rs1. 50 lakh depending upon the advocate and complications involved in your probate work.
How much does it cost to probate a will in India?
In Maharashtra, for example, a court fee of `25 is payable for assets less than `50,000; 4% for assets between `50,000-2 lakh, and 7.5% for assets over `2 lakh. There is a ceiling of `75,000. Under the Indian Succession Act, a probate can be granted only to the executor appointed under a will.
How long does probate take in India?
The process takes about 1 year time if all the required documents are produced along with the application. If any one of the legal heirs contests the case, then it might take more time. A petition for probate must be filed in court along with the will in question.
How can I avoid probate in India?
How to Avoid Probate? There are a few ways to avoid probate in India: Hold assets in joint tenancy with right of survivorship: This means that when one joint tenant dies, the surviving joint tenant automatically becomes the owner of the asset.
Is probate mandatory in India?
Under Section 212(2) of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, Hindus, Muslims, etc. are not bound to apply for letters of administration (Probate). It is optional and not mandatory for these persons to seek probate of the Will.
Probate in India | What, When, How | Process to Obtain a Probate
Can property be transferred without probate in India?
Immovable properties cannot be transferred based solely on a Will without obtaining probate. The executor''''s authority to transfer property is contingent upon the grant of probate [Mohamed Salman Noorani VS Radhika Bhargava - Bombay][Nagubai Ammal VS B. Snama Rao - Supreme Court].
Who inherits property if no will in India?
Distribution Of Assets Under Intestate Succession
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.
Can a beneficiary be an Executor of a will in India?
Criteria to Appoint an Executor
The executor appointed may be either a beneficiary to the will or a third person(in case a dispute seems likely). It shall be made known to the executor that he/she shall be liable for any errors or mistakes even if the same has been executed in good faith.
Which of the following is one of the best ways to avoid probate?
Establish a living trust: This is a common way for people with high-value estates to avoid probate. With a living trust, the person writing the trust decides which assets to put into the trust and who will act as trustee.
Who is the owner of the property after father death in India?
After the death of your father, if he died without a Will, then the property will devolve amongst all legal heir. So in case your father did not have a Will, you, your mother and other siblings will be legal heir and the house will devolve amongst four. Both the procedure can be done during the lifetime of your mother.
What is the shortest time for probate?
In some cases, the probate process in California can take as little as nine months, but that is rare. It typically takes anywhere from half a year to eighteen months, and complicated cases may take as long as two years or more. However, having an idea of how long a case may take helps you understand the process.
What happens after probate is granted in India?
Gathering and Valuing Assets: Once probate is granted, the Executor begins the process of gathering and valuing the deceased person's assets. This process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the estate.
What is an example of probate?
Examples of property or other assets that go through probate are: Any bank or financial account, stock, or retirement account in your name only. Real property titled in your name only. Cars, boats, or RVs titled in your name only.
How much does a lawyer charge to write a will in India?
Drafting a Will through a lawyer covers the majority of the monetary costs of making a Will. Drafting a Will generally costs around Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 15,000/- by an experienced legal practitioner, a young legal practitioner can draft the same with costs anywhere between Rs.
Is there a time limit to probate a will in India?
Accordingly, the Court held that the only consistent view was that the right to apply for a probate was a continuing right and the application must be made within three years of the time when the right to apply accrued.
How much requires probate?
A: The minimum value of an estate for probate will vary by state. However, in California, estates valued at more than $166,250 must enter into the probate process. While estates valued at less than that could still be subject to probate, they are able to use a more simplified transfer process of the estate.
Which of the following assets do not go through probate?
Additional assets that don't need to go through probate include: Retirement accounts, like IRA's and 401(k), that have a named beneficiary(ies) Any property held in a living trust.
How long do you have to transfer property after death?
Timelines for transferring property after the owner's death vary by state and can range from a few months to over a year.
Why do people want to avoid probate?
If the will is contested, litigation costs can be insurmountable. By avoiding probate, you can also keep someone from contesting your wishes altogether. Finally, one of the biggest reasons individuals avoid probate is because they want their financial affairs kept private.
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 executor sell property without all beneficiaries approving in India?
An executor can sell estate property without all the beneficiaries approving. However, there are some important caveats to consider. Their power is not unrestricted.
What happens to bank account when someone dies without a will in India?
In case someone dies, and there's no named beneficiary, POD (payable-on-death), a will, or any legal heir or relatives that will be found, then any assets in that account are going to be turned over to the bank by default.
Can US citizens inherit property in India?
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.
What is the new inheritance law in India?
The children, both son and daughter, under the Hindu Succession Act 1956, have equal rights over the father's property to be shared with the mother and grandmother. Even a posthumously born child, if born alive, has rights to the father's property.
Who Cannot be an executor of a will in India?
The executors should be over 18 and of sound mind. A beneficiary in a will can be appointed as an Executor. The executors should be professional, organized, business-like, good with financial matters and willing to dedicate considerable amounts of time to the administration of the estate.