Indian Succession Act, 1925

Protect your family with a valid will

Decide how your assets pass on — and spare your family disputes and delays. Draft a clear, legally valid Last Will & Testament, amend an existing will with a codicil, prepare a legal-heir affidavit to settle a loved one's accounts, or file a Succession Certificate petition to collect a deceased relative's bank balances, deposits and shares. Drafted with the proper attestation and signing guidance.

Succession Act
1925 compliant
2 witnesses
Proper attestation
From ₹299
Fixed price
Editable
editable Word (.doc)

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Frequently asked questions

Does a will need to be registered?

No. Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 a will is valid if signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses — registration is optional. Registering it (or storing it safely) can, however, reduce later disputes about authenticity.

Who can be a witness to a will?

Any two adults of sound mind who watch you sign and then sign in your presence. Importantly, a beneficiary under the will (or their spouse) should not be a witness, as it can jeopardise their bequest.

What is a codicil?

A codicil is a short supplement that changes part of an existing will — to add, amend, or revoke a specific provision — without rewriting the whole will. It must be signed and attested by two witnesses, just like a will.

When is a legal-heir affidavit needed?

Banks, insurers, employers and authorities often ask for a legal-heir affidavit to release funds, transfer assets, or process a claim after a death. For some assets a legal-heir or succession certificate from the Tehsildar or court may also be required.

What is a succession certificate, and how is it different from a legal-heir affidavit?

A succession certificate is granted by the District Court under Part X (Sections 370–390) of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and is specifically for collecting the debts and securities — bank balances, fixed deposits, shares, debentures, bonds — of a person who died without a will. It requires a petition to court, an ad-valorem court fee, and usually a newspaper notice. A legal-heir affidavit, by contrast, is a self-sworn declaration (no court) that is often sufficient for simpler movable assets. Our product drafts the petition for your advocate to settle and file; the certificate itself is issued only by the court. It does not cover immovable property.

Are these documents legal advice?

No. They are document-preparation aids generated from your inputs and are not legal advice under the Advocates Act, 1961. For large estates, business assets, or complex family situations, have the document reviewed by a competent lawyer.

Important. These products are document-preparation aids based on the information you supply. They are not legal advice or an opinion under the Advocates Act, 1961, and are not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate. A will is a critical document — for large estates, business interests, or complex family situations, have it reviewed and validated by a competent lawyer, and sign it strictly as per the attestation guidance. All deliverables reference Indian law and Indian rupees (₹).