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No, it is not mandatory to register a Will in India. However, registering it can provide an extra layer of legal protection and authenticity.

Yes, a registered Will can be challenged in a court of law on various grounds such as undue influence, fraud, lack of mental capacity of the testator, or if it is not properly executed.

You can change your Will after making it by creating a new Will or adding a codicil to the existing Will. The new Will or codicil should be dated and signed by you and the witnesses.

No, changes cannot be made to a registered Will after the death of the testator. The Will becomes operative only after the death of the testator.

After death, the executor named in the Will is responsible for its execution. The executor applies to the authorities/establishments for transfer of assets as per the Will or to the court for probate (if required) and upon its grant, distributes the assets as per the Will.

Yes, succession laws in India vary based on religion. Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains are governed by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, while Muslims are governed by Muslim Personal Law. Christians and Parsis have their own separate laws.

Not all Wills require probate in India. Authorities may demand probate of an unregistered Will depending upon your location. Probate is mandatory only if the Will is executed within the territories of the provinces of West Bengal, Bombay, and Madras, or in the city of Chennai.

An NRI can make a Will in India by drafting a Will and signing it in the presence of two witnesses. The Will can include property in India and abroad. It is advisable to register the Will, but it is not mandatory.

Yes, a notarised Will is legally valid in India. However, notarisation is not a substitute for registration. A notarised Will can still be contested in court.

A beneficiary is the person who is entitled to receive the assets or benefits as per the Will. A nominee is a trustee or a custodian who holds the assets until they are transferred to the legal heirs or beneficiaries.

If you die without a will (intestate), your assets will be distributed according to the laws of succession.

Anyone (family, friends, colleagues, acquaintance), typically over the age of 18 and of sound mind can act as a witness to a will. It is preferred that a beneficiary is not made a witness to a Will. 

The duties of an executor include gathering the deceased’s assets, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing the assets to the beneficiaries as per the will. They’re also responsible for obtaining a probate of the will if required and maintaining accurate records of all transactions related to the estate of the deceased.

In India, nomination does not confer ownership. It only gives the right to receive. The nominee holds the assets as a custodian until the legal heirs or beneficiaries of a Will claim it. Therefore, having a will is crucial to clearly define how your assets should be distributed after your death.