Your Guide to Obtaining and Using the Family Tree Certificate

Have you ever needed to establish your family lineage for legal purposes or simply wanted to understand your roots? If so, the family tree certificate, issued by the revenue department of your state in India, can be a valuable tool. This document serves as official proof of your family history, helping you navigate various situations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and using this crucial certificate.

Who Can Apply?

Any Indian citizen can apply for a family tree certificate. Here are some eligible applicants:

• Head of the family
• Spouse or blood relative of a deceased person (son, daughter, mother, father)

Required Information

To obtain a family tree certificate, you’ll need to provide the following details to the revenue department or Tahsildar:

• Your full name
• Names and dates of birth of all family members (living and deceased)
• Relationship of each family member to the head of the family (if deceased)
• Occupation of each family member (optional)

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Uses of the Family Tree Certificate

This document can be instrumental in various situations, including:

• Settling Property Claims: In the unfortunate event of a family member’s passing, the family tree certificate can provide vital evidence to establish legal heirship and facilitate the smooth settlement of property claims.
• Obtaining Death Benefits or Inheriting Property: When a family member passes away, the family tree certificate can help you secure rightful death benefits or inherit property as per the legal will or inheritance laws.
• Verifying Family Lineage: For individuals interested in tracing their ancestral roots and understanding their family history, the family tree certificate acts as a verified document outlining your lineage.
• Understanding Family Structure: This document provides a clear picture of your family structure across generations, including names, dates of birth, and relationships.
• Establishing Legal Heirship for Inheritance Purposes: The family tree certificate serves as a crucial piece of legal documentation for establishing legal heirship. This is particularly important in situations where there’s no will or the will is contested. By presenting a valid family tree certificate, you can provide concrete evidence of your familial connection to the deceased and your rightful claim to the inheritance.

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Obtaining the Family Tree Certificate

The process for acquiring a family tree certificate can vary slightly depending on your state. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved, including both offline and online methods (where applicable):

Offline Method:

1. Craft Your Family Tree: Meticulously create a detailed family tree outlining generations and including all relevant members. Ensure accuracy by double-checking names, dates, and relationships.
   
2. Notarise the Family Tree: Purchase stamp paper of the recommended value from the Tahsildar’s office. Print your meticulously crafted family tree on this stamp paper. Then, present this document along with the required affidavit documents to a public notary for verification and signature. The notary will ensure the legitimacy of the information presented.
   
3. Revenue Department Attestation:
   
   • Visit your sub-divisional officer with the notarised family tree, application form (if available in your state), and any necessary fees.
   • The officer will meticulously verify your documents, ensuring all information is accurate and complete. They will then provide you with an acknowledgement receipt for your records.
   • The application will then be forwarded to a revenue inspector for final review and issuance of the certificate.

Online Method (if applicable in your state):

1. Locate the Official Website: Find the official website of your state or UT (e-District Portal).
   
2. Register and Log In: If you haven’t already, register on the portal to create an account. Once registered, log in using your credentials.
   
3. Navigate to the Service: Explore the “Services” section and locate the “Revenue Department.” Within this section, select “Family Tree Certificate.”
   
4. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online application form with the required details. This may include information you gathered for the family tree, such as names, dates of birth, and relationships.
   
5. Upload Documents: Carefully scan and upload clear copies of all necessary documents, as outlined in the “Required Documents” section below.
   
6. Submit and Pay Fees: Once you’ve completed the application and uploaded documents, review everything for accuracy. Then, apply and pay any applicable fees online using a secure payment method.
   

Required Documents for Family Tree Certificate

• Address proof (ration card, voter ID, etc.)
• Birth certificates for all family members
• Affidavit sworn by a family member outlining the family lineage (attested by a notary)
• Death certificates (if applicable for deceased family members)
• Documents proving family relationships (marriage certificates, school records, etc.)
• Aadhar card for all family members (if available)
• Application form attested by a gazetted officer (if required in your state)

Validity of the Family Tree Certificate

Once issued, the family tree certificate is considered valid for your lifetime. It serves as a permanent record of your family lineage.

Conclusion

The family tree certificate is a valuable document that serves as a verified record of your family history. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and required documents, you can successfully obtain this vital certificate. Remember, accuracy and proper documentation are key to a successful application. With this comprehensive guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to navigate the process of obtaining your family tree certificate and unlock its benefits for various purposes, from settling property claims to understanding your ancestral roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a family tree certificate?

Ans 1. A family tree certificate, also known as a lineage or genealogy certificate, is an official document issued by the revenue department of your state in India. It serves as documented proof of your family history, outlining generations and relationships between family members.

Q2. Who can apply for a family tree certificate?

Ans 2. Any Indian citizen can apply for a family tree certificate. Here are some eligible applicants:

• Head of the family
• Spouse or blood relative of a deceased person (son, daughter, mother, father)

Q3. What information is required for a family tree certificate application?

Ans 3. To obtain a family tree certificate, you’ll need to provide details like:

• Your full name
• Names and dates of birth of all family members (living and deceased)
• Relationship of each family member to the head of the family (if deceased)
• Occupation of each family member (optional)

Q4. How can I obtain a family tree certificate?

Ans 4. The process for acquiring a family tree certificate can vary slightly depending on your state. Generally, there are two methods:

• Offline Method: Involves creating a detailed family tree, notarising it, and submitting it along with required documents to the revenue department for attestation.
• Online Method (if available in your state): Requires registering on the state’s e-District Portal, filling out an online application, uploading scanned documents, and paying any applicable fees.

Q5. What documents are required for a family tree certificate application?

Ans 5. Here’s a list of documents you might need (requirements may vary by state):

• Address proof (ration card, voter ID, etc.)
• Birth certificates for all family members
• Affidavit sworn by a family member outlining the family lineage (attested by a notary)
• Death certificates (if applicable for deceased family members)
• Documents proving family relationships (marriage certificates, school records, etc.)
• Aadhar card for all family members (if available)
• Application form attested by a gazetted officer (if required in your state)

Q6. How long is a family tree certificate valid?

Ans 6. Once issued, a family tree certificate is considered valid for your lifetime. It serves as a permanent record of your family lineage.

Q7. What are some uses of a family tree certificate?

Ans 7. A family tree certificate can be helpful in various situations, including:

• Settling property claims after a family member’s passing
• Obtaining death benefits or inheriting property
• Verifying family lineage for ancestral research
• Understanding your family structure across generations
• Establishing legal heirship for inheritance purposes

Q8. Is there a fee for obtaining a family tree certificate?

Ans 8. There might be a processing fee associated with obtaining a family tree certificate. The specific amount can vary depending on your state.

Q9. What if I need help with the application process?

Ans 9. If you encounter any complexities or uncertainties during the application process, consider consulting a lawyer or a professional familiar with family tree certificate procedures in your state. Their expertise can ensure a smooth and efficient application experience.