NRI Legal services
Succession Simplified Essentials of Wills, Trusts & Probate
Comprehensive Estate Solutions for NRIs
One Stop Solution for Cross-Border Legacy Planning
- Personalized Wills
- Expert Analysis
- Asset Protection
- Family Succession
- Private Trusts
- Probate Proceedings
- Succession Certificate
- Charitable Trusts
- Section 8 Companies
15-min consult | then plans start at $399
Why succession planning matters for NRIs
You worked hard to build your wealth. Don't let the law decide who gets it.
Without a will: Indian succession laws decide who inherits – not you. Without a trust: Your assets are exposed to creditors and legal challenges. Without probate: Your heirs face court delays.
We offer comprehensive legal services for wills, trusts, probate, and succession certificates – tailored for NRIs with assets in India and abroad.
What's Included
- Wills drafting & registration
- Private trusts creation & administration
- Charitable trusts & Section 8 companies
- Probate proceedings assistance
- Succession certificate application
- Cross-border estate coordination
- Free 15-min consultation
Simple Will
Up to 15 days
Complex Will / Trust
Up to 3 months
Docs needed
5+ documents
Authorities
Sub-Registrar's Office, Civil Court
Starting price
$399 (after free consult)
Who Needs Estate Planning?
Scenario
Why You Need a Plan
🏠 NRI with property in multiple Indian cities
Without a will, heirs face court battles in every city
👨👩👧👦 NRI with family spread across countries
Who gets what? And how? Clear distribution needed
💰 High-net-worth NRI (assets >₹10 crore)
Will isn't enough – need trust for asset protection
📜 NRI who inherited property from parents
Need succession certificate to transfer assets legally
⚖️ NRI facing family dispute over inheritance
Probate establishes will validity and prevents disputes
Without a Will
With a Will
Assets distributed by succession laws (not your choice)
You decide who gets what
Multiple legal heirs may claim ownership
Clear distribution – no ambiguity
Court appoints executor (may be someone you don't trust)
You choose your executor
Minor children's property managed by court
You appoint guardians for children's assets
Type
Best For
Key Features
Simple Will
NRIs with straight forward assets (1-2 properties)
Clear distribution, one executor
Complex Will
Multiple assets, cross-border holdings
Multiple executors, contingent beneficiaries
Joint / Mutual Will
Married couples with similar wishes
Contractual – cannot be changed after first death
Conditional Will
Distribution depends on certain events
Specific conditions attached to inheritance
Aspect
Registered Will
Unregistered Will
Legal validity
Both are equally valid
Both are equally valid
Proof of authenticity
Stronger – government record
Weaker – may need witness testimony
Safety
Stored in government records
You must keep safe (risk of loss)
Recommended for NRIs?
Yes – you cannot easily produce original from abroad
Only if you have secure storage in India
Our recommendation for NRIs: Register your will. If you live abroad, producing the original will in court later is difficult. Registration creates a government record.
Will Drafting Process
- Free consult : 15-min call to understand assets and wishes
- Asset inventory : List properties, bank accounts, investments
- Will drafting : Legally sound will with clear language
- Review & execution : Sign with two witnesses
- Registration : Optional but recommended for NRIs
Trusts: Advanced Asset Protection & Succession
Scenario
Why Will Isn't Enough
Why Trust Works
Minor children
Will leaves assets to minors. Court controls until age 18.
Trust appoints trustees to manage until children mature
Differently-abled dependents
Inheritance may be mismanaged
Trust ensures lifelong care and security
Business succession
Business ownership splits among heirs. Conflicts arise.
Trust keeps business intact. Beneficiaries get income, not control.
Asset protection
Assets exposed to creditors, lawsuits
Trust protects assets from external claims
Tax efficiency
Estate may face tax burdens
Trusts can reduce tax liability
Type
Purpose
Best For
Revocable Private Trust
You retain control. Can modify or cancel.
NRIs who want flexibility
Irrevocable Private Trust
You give up control. Assets protected from creditors.
High-net-worth NRIs, asset protection
Discretionary Trust
Trustees decide distribution among beneficiaries
Complex family situations, minor children
Charitable Trust
For social, religious, or educational causes
NRIs wanting to give back to India
Section 8 Company
Non-profit company with limited liability
Large-scale philanthropic projects
Family Trust
Succession planning for family wealth
Multi-generational wealth transfer
Probate: Establishing Will Validity
What is Probate?
Without a will: Indian succession laws decide who inherits – not you. Without a trust: Your assets are exposed to creditors and legal challenges. Without probate: Your heirs face court delays.
We offer comprehensive legal services for wills, trusts, probate, and succession certificates – tailored for NRIs with assets in India and abroad.
When is Probate Required in India?
City / Area
Probate Required?
Legal Basis
Kolkata
Yes (within Kolkata municipal limits)
Indian Succession Act, 1925 – Section 57
Chennai
Yes (within Chennai municipal limits)
Indian Succession Act, 1925 – Section 57
Mumbai
Not mandatory (recommended for large estates)
Bombay High Court practice
Delhi
Not mandatory (recommended for disputed wills)
Delhi High Court practice
Other cities
Not mandatory (can be obtained voluntarily)
Depends on local practice
For NRIs: Even if not mandatory, probate is recommended because it creates a court record, banks accept it without question, and it prevents future disputes.
When is Probate Required in India?
- File petition: Executor files probate petition in civil court
- Court notice : Court issues notice to legal heirs
- Objections : Heirs can object to will validity
- Evidence & hearing : Witnesses examined
- Probate granted : Court issues probate certificate
Succession Certificate (When There's No Will)
What is a Succession Certificate?
When a person dies without a will, legal heirs need a Succession Certificate to claim financial assets like bank accounts, fixed deposits, shares, mutual funds, and securities.
Who Needs a Succession Certificate?
Scenario
Need Succession Certificate?
Parents died without will, need to claim bank balance
Yes
Spouse died without will, need to transfer shares
Yes
Sibling died without will, need to close FD
Yes
Property (land/flat) inherited without will
No – need legal heir certificate or court declaration
Succession Certificate Process
- File petition: Executor files probate petition in civil court
- Court notice : Court issues notice to legal heirs
- Newspaper publication : To invite objections
- Certificate issued : Court grants succession certificate
Enquire About Wills, Trusts & Probate
Pricing
First consultation free (15 min) — then plans start at $399
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our services and how we can help you with your NRI financial needs.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. 15 minutes, no obligation. We'll review your assets, family situation, and explain whether you need a will, trust, or both.
I live abroad. Can I make a will for my Indian assets?
Yes. You can execute a will in your country of residence for Indian assets. However, it must comply with Indian Succession Act requirements. We can help draft it to be valid in both countries.
Do I need to register my will?
Registration is optional but recommended for NRIs. It creates a government record. If you lose the original, you can get a certified copy from the Sub-Registrar.
What is the difference between probate and succession certificate?
Probate validates a will (when will exists). Succession certificate establishes legal heirs (when no will exists). Probate is for all assets. Succession certificate is only for financial assets.
How long does probate take in India?
Typically 6-12 months. Faster if no objections (4-6 months). Longer if will is contested (1-2 years). We set realistic expectations.
Can a trust own property in India?
Yes. A registered trust can own immovable property in its name. The trustees manage the property for beneficiaries. This is common for family succession planning.
What happens if I die without a will in India?
Indian succession laws (based on your religion) decide who inherits. Your assets may go to relatives you didn't intend. We help you avoid this.
Do I need separate wills for India and my country of residence?
Yes – strongly recommended. Indian law governs Indian assets. Your foreign country's law governs foreign assets. We help coordinate cross-border estate planning.