Online Will Drafting And Registration in India

What is a Will Deed?

A will deed is a legal document designed to transfer ownership of tangible assets to the testator’s heirs upon their demise. It outlines guidelines for the distribution of property and assets to prevent future legal disputes.

Key Features or Essential Elements of a Will Deed

• Legal Instrument: Will deeds are legal tools for succession and estate planning.
• Enforcement: They become legally effective only after the testator’s death.
• Legislation: Governed by the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (Section 2 (h)).
• Validity Conditions: Require signatures of witnesses, clear inheritance intentions, and the testator’s capability.
• Revocation: Testators can change or revoke the will during their lifetime.
• Revocation Methods: Can be undone by a new will, a written declaration, or destroying the existing will.
• Enforcement After Demise: The will is enforced through a court application for probate, with court fees varying by location.

Types of Wills

• Privileged Wills: Governed by Section 65 of the Indian Succession Act (1925), privileged wills are made by soldiers, airmen, or mariners aged 18 and above, outlining the disposal of their property.
• Unprivileged Wills: Covered by Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act (1925), unprivileged wills are created by individuals not in specific military roles. They are valid if signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses.
• Contingent Wills: Contingent wills or conditional wills, depend on future events or specific conditions. Invalid if the contingency fails or conditions aren’t met, they ensure property distribution aligns with specified criteria.
• Joint Wills: Joint wills involve two or more individuals making a single testamentary document. They cannot be revoked unilaterally and are often created by married couples for mutual inheritance.
• Mutual Wills: Mutual wills involve two parties agreeing on terms beneficial to both. They often secure inheritance for children from previous marriages, remaining binding on surviving parties after any party’s death.
• Concurrent Wills: Testators opt for concurrent wills to manage the disposal of different types of property conveniently. It reduces complications associated with various assets like movable and immovable property.
• Duplicate Wills: Duplicate wills are two copies treated as one will. As per Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act (1925), a testator signs and attests a copy as a backup. It becomes valid if the original is not on record.
• Holograph Wills: Holograph wills are handwritten by the testator. Valid if no suspicious circumstances exist, they offer a straightforward method of execution.
• Sham Wills: Sham wills have an ulterior motive beyond property disposition, often involving deception or unethical acts. Section 61 of the Indian Succession Act (1925) deems wills made fraudulently or under coercion as invalid.

Benefits of Will Deed

• Dispute Prevention: Limits the chances of family disputes.
• Asset Distribution: Ensures assets are distributed according to the testator’s wishes.
• Business Security: Combats future business interruptions, encroachment, and other potential hurdles.

Essential Details to be Mentioned in the Will Document

• Personal Details: Name, address, etc.
• Declaration Date: Mention when the will was prepared.
• Free Will Validation: State not being coerced or influenced.
• Executor Information: Details about the executor.
• Asset and Beneficiary Details: Specify assets and beneficiaries.
• Signatures: Sign the will and get it attested by a minimum of two witnesses.

Will Draft Format in English

                      Last Will And Testament

I, ______________, aged __ years, residing at _____________________________, hereby revoke all prior Wills and Testamentary dispositions. This document constitutes my final and sole Will.

I affirm that I am in good health, of sound mind, and make this Will of my own accord without any external influence or coercion.

I appoint my ________________ as the Executor of this Will.

My wife's name is _________________. We have two children: (1) __________________ and (2) ________________. I possess the following assets:

a) Flat No.___ in _______________________.

b) Jewellery, cash, investments, and other movable and immovable assets.

All mentioned assets are self-acquired, and I affirm my sole ownership with no competing claims.

I bequeath all my properties, movable or immovable, to my wife, _____________________, in perpetuity.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I sign this Will on this ____ day of __, 20 at ____________.

TESTATOR

SIGNED by the Testator as their last WILL and Testament in our presence, who appear to have perfectly understood & approved the contents in the presence of both of us, who, at the same time, have subscribed our names as Witnesses.

WITNESSES :

1.

2.

Will Draft Format in Hindi | वसीयत-नामा का प्रारुप

                          वसीयत-नामा | Will

मै------------------------------------------- आयू--------- वर्ष, निवासी-------------------------------------------------- की हू। मै काफी वृध्द एवं अशक्त हो गई हूँ तथा प्रायः बीमार रहती हूँ। मेरे जीवन का कोई भरोसा नही है जिसका सूर्यास्त कभी भी हो सकता है।

मेरा कोई पुत्र नही है तथा मेरे पति की मृत्यू ----------- वर्ष पूर्व हो गई है। मेरी इस वृध्दावस्था एवं उक्त दशा मे, मै अपने भांजे (बहन का लडका) के साथ निवास कर रही हूँ, जो पूरी निष्ठा से मेरी सेवा सुश्रुषा कर रहा है तथा समुचित देख-रेख व इलाज की व्यवस्था कर रहा है। मै उसके इस सेवाभाव से अत्यधिक प्रसंन्न व संतुष्ट हूँ।

अनुसुची

मै अपनी मेरी मृत्यु के पश्चात उक्त संम्पत्ति की व्यवस्था इस वसीयत के द्वारा अपनी जीवनकाल मे करना चाहती हूँ। अतः इस वसीयत के द्वारा मै अपनी उक्त सारी चल एवं अचल सम्पत्ति तथा अन्य कोई सम्पत्ति जो मेरी मृत्यू के समय मेरे अधिपत्य एवं स्वामित्व से हो या जिन्हे प्राप्त करने की मै अधिकारी हूँ, श्री --------------------------- आत्मज ----------------- उम्र ------------- वर्ष, निवासी ---------------- के पक्ष मे वसीयत करती हूँ। मेरे जीवनकाल तक इन सबकी स्वामी एवं अघिपति मै रहूंगी तथा उनका उपयोग एवं उपभोग करती रहूंगी। मेरी मृत्यू के बाद श्री--------------------------------------- आत्मज ------------ उम्र-------------- वर्ष, निवासी-------------------------------------------- को इस संम्पत्ति मे सारे हित, स्वत्व और अधिकार प्राप्त हो जाएंगे। मेरे किसी उत्तराधिकारी को ऐतराज लेने का कोई अधिकार नही रहेगा।

उपर्यूक्त के साक्ष्यस्वरूप मैने आज दिनांक-------------- माह ------------- सन, ---------------- को------------------ के दिन ------------------- नगर मे अपने हस्ताक्षर कर दिेये है।

स्थानः-------------------

दिनांकः----------------

हस्ताक्षर

(वसीयतकर्ता)

उक्त इच्छा-पत्र श्रीमती----------------------------------- द्वारा अपने अंतिम इच्छा-पत्र और वसीयत के रुप मे हम दोनो की एक साथ उपस्थिति मे हस्ताक्षर किया गया, और हम दोनो ने उसकी उपस्थिति मे और एक दूसरे की उपस्थिति मे साक्षियों के पुप मे हस्ताक्षर कर दिये।

हस्ताक्षर

(वसीयतकर्ता)

साक्षीगणः-

1.-----------------------------

2.-----------------------------

स्थान-----------------------

दिनांक---------------------

Clauses in Will Deed

• Testator’s Intention: Clearly express the testator’s intentions.
• Property Disposal: Define the manner of property disposal.
• Revocation/Alteration: Include clauses for changes during the testator’s lifetime.

Importance of Will Deed

• Legal Right: Asserts the legal right to distribute possessions.
• Prevents Disputes: Reduces the likelihood of future disputes.
• Prevents Invasion: Guards against future invasion, business disruptions, and potential obstacles.

Will Deed Registration

• Optional Registration: Will deed registration is not mandatory.
• Will Registration Process: Involves a lawyer creating the will, filing it with the sub-registrar’s office, and paying nominal fees.
• Will Registration Fees: Minimal government processing fees of Rs. 20 per page, exempt from stamp duty.

People Also Read: Gift Deed Vs. Will: Which is a Better Option for Property Transfer?

Will Making or Will Preparation Cost

Average Cost Range:

• Express Will – DIY Will:
  • For those looking for a cost-effective solution, Express Will allows you to create your own will with a DIY approach, costing just Rs.499/-.
  • Do check out our detailed blog on How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer
• Customized Will – Lawyer Assisted:
  • If you prefer professional assistance while enjoying the convenience of an online process, then Customized Will, lawyer-assisted and completely online, is available for Rs.7,499/-.
• Premium Will – Lawyer Assisted with Doorstep Service:
  • For a more personalized experience, our Premium Will service, with lawyer assistance and doorstep service, is priced at Rs.17,499/-.
• Mirror Will – Mutual Representation:
  • Mirror Will service ensures a comprehensive representation of mutual desires for couples. With expert legal consultation and drafting, each will mirror the other, creating a cohesive plan for the future.
• Will Registration – Legitimacy and Security:
  • Ensure the legitimacy and security of your will by opting for Will Registration. Priced at Rs.7,499/- it helps prevent disputes and challenges to the will’s authenticity.

People Also Read: How to Write a Will in India?: A Step-by-Step Guide

List of Required Documents for Will Registration in India

• Property details (survey number, surrounding land details, size of the land etc)
• Challan/DD evidencing payment of full stamp duty, transfer duty (if any), Registration fee and user charges.
• Property cards for the mentioned property.
• Proof of Identity of testator or testatrix and also the witness (Ration Card / Aadhaar Card / Voter ID)
• Address proof of testator or testatrix and also the witness (Driving licence / Ration card / Aadhaar card / Voter ID)
• PAN CARD
• Aadhaar card
• Deed/Document to be registered

Note: Please bring the original ID proof and address proof to display before the registrar.

People Also Read: Essential Documents Required for Will Registration

Will Registration Procedure in India

1. Appointment Fixation: Once the draft is ready, schedule an appointment at the Sub-Registrar office for the registration process.
2. Appointment Day: On the scheduled date, proceed to the registering office accompanied by two reliable witnesses and wait for your designated turn.
3. Compliance with Guidelines: During your allocated slot, adhere to the guidelines provided by the authorities for a smooth processing experience.
4. Identification Verification: Present your original identification documents before the registrar for verification.
5. Registration Fees Payment: To complete the registration, pay the applicable registration fees in accordance with the regulations of your respective state.
6. Registrar’s Verification: The registrar will personally verify the details, and upon satisfaction, will sign the relevant order.
7. Signatures and Documentation: Both the testator/testatrix and the witnesses must sign the registry and the designated places on the document as advised to finalize the registration.
8. Document Collection: A registered copy of the will can be collected approximately within a week. The clerk at the dispatch desk will provide guidance on the collection process and suggest a probable date for retrieval.

Court Fees for Will Probate

• Calculation: Ad valorem system, a percentage of the estate’s value.
• Mandatory in Certain Cities: Compulsory in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
• Specific Fees: Rs 75,000 in Mumbai, Rs 25,000 in Chennai, and approximately 5.5 percent of property value in Kolkata.

Top Will Deed Drafting & Registration Lawyers/Consultants in India

1) Advocate Satish Bhan
Exp.: 14+ Years
Location: Bangalore Urban, Karnataka
Practice Area & Skills: Property & Civil matters

2) Advocate Meena Kumari
Exp.: 10+ Years
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Practice Area & Skills: Property & Family matters

3) Advocate Saket Mishra
Exp.: 13+ Years
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Practice Area & Skills: Property & Criminal matters

4) Advocate Ravishankar Jha
Exp.: 7+ Years
Location: New Delhi
Practice Area & Skills: Property & Consumer matters

5) Advocate Sudhakar Mandal
Exp.: 11+ Years
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Practice Area & Skills: Property, Criminal, Divorce & Consumer matters

Connect with Expert Will Writing & Registration Lawyers in your City

Will-Based Property Transfers

Transfer Methods:

• Without Will: Assets follow succession laws, distributed to legal heirs.
• With Will: Beneficiaries inherit assets as specified in the will.

Hindu Law:

• No Limitations: No restrictions on giving possessions under Hindu law.

Muslim Law:

• One-Third Rule: Muslims cannot bequeath more than one-third of assets in a will.

In the absence of a valid will, assets are distributed based on prevailing succession laws. With a will, beneficiaries outlined in the document inherit the assets. Hindu law imposes no restrictions on giving possessions, while Muslim law limits bequests to one-third of assets in a will.

Gift Deed vs. Will Deed

Choosing Between Gift Deed and Will Deed:

• Will Deed Advantages: Ensures assets pass after death, allows control now.
• Gift Deed Advantages: Immediate assistance, but use cautiously.

The choice between a Gift Deed and a Will Deed depends on individual circumstances. A will ensures assets go to chosen individuals after death and allows control during one’s lifetime. Gifting provides immediate assistance but should be approached cautiously, especially concerning a significant portion of assets.

Difference Between Will Deed and Gift Deed

Will Operation:

• Will: Operative after death.
• Gift Deed: Immediate, uncompensated transfer of property.

Choosing Between Will Deed and Gift Deed:

• Will: Ensures assets go to chosen individuals, allows control now.
• Gift: Immediate assistance, potential risks.

A will becomes operative after death, orchestrating the distribution of assets. In contrast, a gift deed facilitates the immediate, uncompensated transfer of property. The choice between them depends on the desire for control, immediate assistance, and the potential risks involved.

Supreme Court’s Judgment on Will Deed

Defending Probate Claims:

• Suspicious Circumstances: Common defence to challenge a will’s validity.
• Genuine Suspicion: This must be justified, not mere imagination.

Requirements for Valid Will:

• Compliance: Must adhere to legal provisions and name-attesting witnesses.
• Claim Responses: Respondent asserts suspicious circumstances, challenging the testator’s true intentions.

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment emphasizes the common defence of “suspicious circumstances” to challenge a will’s validity. Genuine suspicion, justified concerns, and adherence to legal provisions are essential. Respondents often claim that the will does not reflect the true intentions of the testator, citing various circumstances as evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who Can Create a Will?

A1. Individuals above 18 and in sound mind per the Indian Succession Act.

Q2. Does a Will Require Registration?

A2. Registration is optional but recommended to avoid disputes.

Q3. Can a Will be Altered, Revoked, or Revived?

A3. Testators can change or revoke wills; marriage automatically revokes a will.

Q4. Can a Will be challenged in the court?

A4. Yes, even a sound will can be challenged before a court of law

Q5. What is the Validity of Will Deed in India?

A5. Wills are typically maintained permanently or for a specific period by firms.

Q6. Who can cancel or revoke the Will?

A6. Testators can revoke their wills at any time.

Q7. What are the Nullification Factors in a Will?

A7. Nullification factors include witnesses being beneficiaries and the testator’s marriage after creating the will.