Wills, Succession & Inheritance FAQs

A will is a legal document in which a person specifies how their property and assets should be distributed after their death. It must be signed and witnessed according to law to be valid.

Any person who is of sound mind and not a minor (above 18 years) can make a will. People with mental illness can make a will during lucid intervals.

No, registration of a will is not mandatory. An unregistered will is legally valid if properly executed, though registration can help avoid disputes.

Yes, a will can be written on plain paper. There is no requirement for a stamp paper or specific format, as long as it meets legal conditions.

A valid will must clearly mention the testator’s name, details of property, names of beneficiaries, be signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two people.

Any adult who is of sound mind can be a witness. However, a beneficiary or their spouse should not be a witness to avoid conflicts of interest.

Yes, a will can be changed, modified, or revoked by the testator at any time before death, either by writing a new will or making a codicil.

A codicil is a supplementary document used to make minor changes or additions to an existing will, and it must be executed like a will.

If a person dies without a will (intestate), property is distributed among legal heirs as per the applicable succession laws, such as the Hindu Succession Act or Indian Succession Act.

Probate is a legal process by which a court certifies the authenticity of a will and grants the executor the authority to administer the estate.