What is legal heir certificate?

A Legal Heir Certificate is a document that establishes the relationship between the deceased and their legal heirs. It is a crucial document that helps the surviving members of the family to stake their claim in the property of their late relative.

Now that you know

what is legal heir certificate in India, I should tell you that

the certificate contains the names of all the legal heirs of the deceased and has legal enforceability. It is required to claim the assets and liabilities of the deceased person.

To obtain a legal heir certificate, you need to apply to the local revenue authorities or the district collector’s office. The application should include the details of the deceased person, the names of the legal heirs, and the relationship between them. You may also need to provide supporting documents such as the death certificate of the deceased, proof of identity of the legal heirs, and other relevant documents.

In the unfortunate incident of passing away of a person without any will or intestate then legal heirship and legal heir certificate comes into the picture. If you want to know what is legal heir certificate then I can explain it to you. I will also inform you about who can obtain the legal heirship certificate. 

A legal heir certificate is a legal document which determines the rightful successor of the deceased. This certificate is important to obtain if the deceased died without sharing a will. The rightful successor needs a legal heirship certificate to claim assets, stocks, bonds and liabilities of the deceased.

Here are a few instances when a legal heirship maybe required:

• To transfer properties and assets of the deceased to the successors

• To claim insurance after death of the deceased

• To sanction and process family pension

• To claim dues including provident fund, gratuity, etc. 

• To get pending salary and dues of the deceased

• To get a compassionate employment (if applicable)

The legal heir certificate is usually issued to the class 1 heirs as per the Indian law. These heirs include:

• Legal spouse of the deceased

• Children of the deceased

• Parents of the deceased

Find out more: