Legal Heir Certificate – Meaning, How to Apply and Format

Individuals without a criminal history may run into issues because they are unable to understand the meaning of all the technical terms or the activities contained in the Indian charter. One such divisive topic that may be made simpler is a legal heir certificate.

Continue reading to find out more about criminal heirs and how to get a legal heir certificate. Succession rules state that an inheritor is a person who inherits all of a deceased person’s material possessions, debts, and even money owed on actual property if no will or criminal explanation is left behind.

What is a Legal Heir Certificate?

In accordance with Indian Succession Laws, a Legal Heir Certificate is an essential official document issued by government agencies that proves the relationship between the deceased and their criminal heirs. It allows the illegal possessions of the deceased to be given to their surviving relatives. Real estate and the transmission of financial claims through banks, including provident funds, property taxes, loans, strength bills, current and savings accounts, and IT return submission, are among the items for which this certificate is necessary. Additionally, when a person passes away intestate—that is, without leaving a will or a criminal nominee—a criminal heirship certificate is necessary.

Uses of Legal Heir Certificate

Waris certificates are purportedly acquired by the legitimate heir, who gets the estate and obligations of the departed. Certifications of legal heirship are necessary.

  • Give the rightful heir access to the home and possessions of the departed.
  • List any coverage restrictions that are in place.
  • Authorize and get any personal circle of relatives pension that was rightfully awarded to the departed employee.
  • Receive financial assistance from the government in the form of gratuities and provident funds.
  • If the dead worker later becomes employed by the government or other important authority, you will be reimbursed for any outstanding pay.
  • You will be employed due to any compassionate appointments.
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Who can Apply for Legal Heir Certificate?

According to Indian law, the following individuals are deemed legal heirs and are eligible to get a legal heir certificate:

  • Spouse of the departed
  • Children (son/daughter) of the departed
  • The deceased’s parents
  • The deceased’s brothers and sisters
  • The legal heirs’ approved representatives, such as guardians or power of attorney holders, may apply on their behalf in specific circumstances.

Procedure to Obtain a Legal Heir Certificate

A legal heir certificate can be acquired by contacting the district civil court, the corporation/ municipality office, or the area/taluk Thasildhar. This document, which is only granted following a formal investigation, lists the dead person’s legal heirs in full. The following describes how to get a legal heir certificate:

  • The dead person’s legitimate heir must go to the local district court and request an application for a legal heir certificate. The application must be completed and signed by the applicant before being sent to the relevant authorities. All of the legal heirs’ names, their connection to the dead, and the addresses of the family members are included in this application.
  • The application should include all necessary supporting documentation, such as the deceased person’s death certificate, attached. (The death certificate has to be acquired from the corporate office/municipality).
  • The application must be filed with an affidavit on stamp paper or a self-declaration, and the fees must be paid in person at the office.
  • The administrative officer or tax inspector completes the investigation and conducts an inspection.
  • The legal heir certificate is issued by the authorized authority at the successful completion of the enquiry.

How to apply for a legal heir certificate online?

You may also apply online for a legal heir certificate in a few states. For example, in Odisha, a legal heir certificate may be obtained online by following a few easy procedures. You may use the e-Sevai platform to apply for this certificate online, even from Tamil Nadu. The actions to take are as follows:

-Visit www.tnesevai.tn.gov.in, the Tamil Nadu government’s e-Sevai portal, and create an account.

-Choose the “Legal Heir Certificate” service from the list of available services after creating an account.

-Complete the application form in its entirety and upload the supporting files that the Tamil Nadu government requires.

-You can use your debit card, credit card, or net banking to make the online payment for the legal heir certificate.

-Submit the application after completing the form, uploading all necessary supporting files, and making the required payment. 

-The status of your legal heir certificate is available online. 

-After the application is accepted, you may choose to print the legal heir certificate PDF from the e-Sevai portal or download it online. As an alternative, you may pick it up in person from the relevant office.

Documents Required for Legal Heir Certificate

The list of papers needed to get a legal heir certificate is as follows:

  • Application form that is signed.
  • Identity/address evidence of the applicant.
  • Deceased’s death certificate.
  • Documentation of each legitimate heir’s date of birth.
  • An affirmation made voluntarily.
  • Address of the deceased’s proof.

Points to be Noted:

  • Any form of government-issued identity card, such as a driver’s license, passport, voter ID, or Aadhaar card, can be used as identification proof for applicants.
  • The legal heir’s name and address can be found on any legitimate identity document, a phone or cell phone bill, a gas bill, or a bank passbook.
  • A legal heir’s birth certificate, passport, PAN card, school transfer or departure certificate, or other document bearing their date of birth might serve as proof.

What are the different types of Legal Heir Certificate?

Write an Intro para in 20-30 words and mention the Types below.

A legal heir certificate establishes a person’s claim to inherit and proves their link to the deceased. The criteria for a legal heir certificate might differ according to the nation. Typical examples of legitimate legal heir paperwork are as follows:

Certificate of Legal Heirship

A record provided by Indian tax authorities to prove who is a deceased person’s legal heir. Claims pertaining to insurance, retirement, and other benefits need it.

Certificate of Succession

A court-issued legal instrument that gives the legal heirs of a deceased person the authority to collect debts and securities.

Attestation of Inheritance

The authorized heirs are granted this certificate by the court, which entitles them to inherit the dead person’s property and belongings.

Administration Letter

The lawful heirs of a deceased person may get a Letter of Administration from a civil court, enabling them to seize any assets or obligations owing to the deceased.

Probate

Legal procedure that authenticates the will of the deceased and certifies the appointment of the executor designated in it. The probate court issues a succession certificate to the designated administrator, enabling them to carry out the testator’s last desires as specified in the will.

Difference Between a Legal Heir Certificate and Succession Certificate

AspectLegal Heir CertificateSuccession Certificate
PurposeIdentifies the rightful heirs of the deceasedAuthorizes heirs to inherit and manage the deceased’s assets
Issued ByLocal authorities, such as Tahsildar or Municipal OfficeCourt of law
UsageUsed for claiming insurance, pensions, and other benefitsUsed for managing and transferring debts, securities, and assets
ScopeEstablishes relationship between the deceased and heirsProvides legal right to inherit and manage movable assets
IncludesDoes not confer ownership rights over assetsIncludes bank accounts, shares, bonds, and other financial assets
Legal AuthorityLacks authority to transfer or manage assetsGrants legal authority to collect debts and transfer assets
RequirementTypically required for family settlements and claimsRequired for legal claims over financial matters

Legal Heir Certificate Format

A legal heir certificate’s format might vary according to the country or location where it is issued. On the other hand, the following details are often included in a legal heir certificate format:

  • The dead person’s name
  • Date of the dead person’s death
  • Information about the departed person’s relatives and/or legal heirs, including name, address, and connection to the departed
  • Information about the issuing authority, such as name, location, and phone number
  • Date of the certificate’s issuance
  • Seal and signature of the granting body

Legal Heir Certificate Sample

The legal heir certificate is essentially the same everywhere in the nation, and a comparable legal heir format is employed. You can request the form on the Tehsil Office website in order to download a legal heir certificate. The legal heir certificate may be downloaded from their website and printed at home. A legal heir certificate often looks like this:

This certifies that ___________ (name of the dead), who was a resident of _________ (address), a son or daughter of _________, died on ___________ (day of death) and left behind the following lawful heirs:

Sl. No. Legal Heir’s name and residence in relation to the deceased 1.

According to the records that are now accessible, this certificate is being issued for the purpose of ________________ (specify the certificate’s precise purpose).

Published by: The issuing authority’s name is _____________. ________________ is the designation. ________________ is the address. ________________ is the contact information. Date of issue: ________________

________________ Seal and Signature

Once more, it’s crucial to remember that a legal heir certificate’s format might change based on the country or location in which it is issued. To find out the precise format and requirements for a legal heir certificate in your region, it is essential to consult with the local government or a legal expert.

How to Add a Legal Heir to File ITR?

The lawful heir or heirs of the deceased proprietor are required to submit an ITR and pay the calculated income tax on their behalf. The actions to take are as follows:

  • Visit the website for online income tax filing.
  • In the event that you are a registered user, log in with your account details. If not, create a new account by selecting the “Register Yourself” option. Finish the registration process by entering all necessary data.
  • Proceed to “My Account” once you have successfully logged in and registered as a representative.
  • Choose a new request from the drop-down box under the request type option.
  • In the add/register as a representative area, select Register on Your Own Behalf of Another Person using the drop-down box.
  • From the drop-down box in the “category to register” area, choose the estate of the dead.
  • If you click “Proceed,” you will be sent to an outside website.
  • Give all pertinent details, including the deceased’s PAN, the estate name, and the deceased’s incorporation date.
  • Create a zip file including the following documents: an affidavit in front of a notary public; a copy of the death certificate; a self-attested copy of the legal heir’s PAN card; and the PAN card of the dead individual.
  • Once your papers have been uploaded, click the submit button to give the e-Filing Administrator your request.

Things to Consider while applying for a Legal Heir Certificate

Applying for a legal heir certificate requires you to provide specific information. The list of these items is as follows:

  • It is advisable to publicly declare the relationship between the surviving individual and the departed while requesting a legal heir certificate.
  • If the legal successor intends to apply for a job in the deceased person’s place, the legal heir paperwork is required. 
  • If the survivor needs to use the benefits of any applicable government schemes, a legal heir paperwork comes in useful.
  • In some situations, receiving benefits like retirement packages, insurance, provident funds, pensions, gratuities, etc. requires having a legal heir certificate. 

Conclusion

An essential document that establishes the link between the departed individual and his or her legal heirs is the legal heir certificate. It is necessary to transfer ownership to the rightful heirs and to claim the inheritance of the deceased person’s belongings and other assets. 

From state to state, there may be differences in the requirements, application procedure, duration, validity, costs, and available options for acquiring a legal heir certificate. It is a crucial record that helps to settle disagreements and prove who is legally entitled to the deceased’s belongings.

FAQs

Who can apply for a legal heir certificate?

The spouse, children, parents, or siblings of the deceased can apply for a legal heir certificate.

What documents are required to get a legal heir certificate?

Required documents include the death certificate of the deceased, ID proof of the applicant, proof of relationship, address proof, and an affidavit or application form.

How many days are required to get a legal heir certificate?

It typically takes 15 to 30 days to obtain a legal heir certificate after submitting the application.

Who is a legal heir when the deceased person does not have children, a spouse, or parents?

If there are no children, spouse, or parents, the deceased’s siblings or their descendants are considered legal heirs.

I lost my legal heir certificate. How can I get a copy?

You can request a duplicate copy from the issuing authority, such as the local Tahsildar or Municipal Office, by providing the necessary details and identification.

Is a second wife a legal heir?

Yes, a second wife is a legal heir if the marriage is legally recognized and valid as per the relevant laws.

Can a person having the legal heir certificate sell the deceased person’s property?

No, a legal heir certificate alone does not grant ownership rights to sell the deceased’s property. A succession certificate or a court order may be required.

Is a married daughter a legal heir?

Yes, a married daughter is considered a legal heir and has equal rights to inherit her deceased parent’s estate.

Whom should I contact to get a legal heir certificate?

Contact the local Tahsildar, Municipal Office, or relevant local authority to apply for a legal heir certificate.

Who are the rightful heirs to a father’s estate?

The rightful heirs to a father’s estate typically include the spouse, children (sons and daughters), and, in the absence of these, the deceased’s parents, followed by siblings.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. PropertyPistol does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.

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