To claim your inheritance in India after losing a loved one, obtaining an Original Legal Heir Certificate is necessary. Our comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process to help you navigate through the procedure

Losing a loved one is difficult, and navigating the legalities that follow can be overwhelming. One of the crucial aspects is claiming your inheritance, which requires obtaining an Original Legal Heir Certificate. 

This document certifies the deceased’s rightful heirs and their respective property shares. In India, obtaining a legal heir certificate may vary depending on the state laws. However, this guide provides a general overview of the steps involved.

Legal Heir Certificate Requirements

The legal heir certificate is a crucial document required in various legal and administrative matters, such as:

1. To claim the property and assets of the deceased: The certificate establishes the rightful heirs of the deceased and their respective shares in the property.
2. To transfer or sell property: The certificate is essential when transferring or selling property to establish ownership.
3. To access the deceased bank accounts: Banks usually require the legal heir certificate to release funds from the deceased accounts.
4. To claim insurance: The certificate is needed when making claims on the deceased’s insurance policies.
5. To file tax returns on behalf of the deceased: The certificate is needed to file income tax returns on behalf of the deceased.

Eligibility for Legal Heir Certificate Request

Any person who is a legal heir of the deceased can apply for a legal heir certificate. Legal heirs are defined as the deceased’s spouses, sons, daughters, parents, or siblings. The eligibility may vary depending on the state laws, and it is advisable to check the specific guidelines before applying.

Procedure to Obtain Legal Heir Certificate

The process of obtaining a legal heir certificate may vary depending on the state laws. However, the general steps involved are as follows:

Step 1: Gather the necessary documents: The documents required to apply for a legal heir certificate may vary depending on the state laws. However, some of the common documents required are the death certificate of the deceased, proof of the relationship with the deceased, proof of address, and identification documents.

Step 2: Fill the application form: The application form can be obtained from the local revenue or municipal office. The form must be filled with accurate and complete details, including the names of all the legal heirs, their relationship with the deceased, and their respective shares in the property.

Step 3: Submit the application form and documents: The application and supporting documents must be submitted to the local revenue or municipal office. The authorities may inquire to verify the details provided in the application.

Step 4: Pay the fees: The fees for obtaining a legal heir certificate may vary depending on the state laws. The fees must be paid at the time of application.

Step 5: Collect the legal heir certificate: Once the application is processed and the authorities are satisfied with the details, the legal heir certificate will be issued. The certificate can be collected from the local revenue or municipal office.

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Documents Required to Apply for Legal Heir Certificate

The documents required to apply for a legal heir certificate may vary depending on state laws. However, some of the common documents required are:

1. Death certificate of the deceased
2. Proof of relationship with the deceased 
3. Proof of address
4. Identification documents.

Conditions for Applying for Original Legal Heir Certificate

The conditions for applying for an Original Legal Heir Certificate may vary depending on the state laws. However, some common scenarios are discussed below:

F:1- If Spouse Applies for a Certificate

If the spouse of the deceased applies for the legal heir certificate, the following documents may be required:

1. Marriage certificate
2. Joint photograph of the couple
3. Proof of residence
4. Aadhar card or any other identification document

F:2- If a Child Applies and Both Parents Are Dead

If a child of the deceased applies for the legal heir certificate, the following documents may be required:

1. Death certificate of both parents
2. Proof of relationship with the deceased
3. Proof of address
4. Aadhar card or any other identification document

F:3- When a Minor Child Submits a Claim After Losing Both Parents

If a minor child submits a claim after losing both parents, the following documents may be required:

1. Birth certificate of the child
2. Death certificate of both parents
3. Guardian certificate issued by the court or any other competent authority
4. Proof of residence of the guardian
5. Aadhar card or any other identification document of the guardian.

Conclusion:-

Obtaining an Original Legal Heir Certificate is an essential step in claiming your inheritance after losing a loved one. The process may vary depending on state laws. Still, the general steps involve gathering the necessary documents, filling out the application form, submitting the application and documents, paying the fees, and collecting the certificate. 

The certificate is required for various legal and administrative matters, such as claiming the deceased’s property and assets, transferring or selling property, accessing the deceased’s bank accounts, claiming insurance, and filing tax returns on behalf of the deceased. It is essential to ensure that all the documents submitted are accurate and complete and the guidelines of the state laws are followed to avoid any delays or complications in obtaining the certificate.

Vakilsearch is a legal service provider in India that offers assistance in obtaining an Original Legal Heir Certificate. Our team of experts can guide you through the entire process, including document verification, filling the application form, and submission. With their services, you can save time, avoid mistakes, and ensure a hassle-free experience. Vakilsearch can also help you with other legal matters related to property, inheritance, and taxation.

 

Also Read:

• Check the status of the legal heir certificate
• Cost of getting a legal heir certificate
• Legal Heir Certificate Online Chennai