Issued by a competent civil court under Part X of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, a Succession Certificate authenticates the legal heirs and empowers them to receive interest, dividends, and other securities that were held by the deceased.
Where a Succession Certificate is Needed
- Transfer of shares and debentures of the deceased
- Claim of dividends and interest on securities
- Withdrawal of fixed deposits with banks and NBFCs
- Redemption of mutual funds where nominee is not registered
- Collection of provident fund and insurance proceeds (in specific cases)
Succession Certificate vs Legal Heir Certificate vs LoA
- Legal Heir Certificate — Issued by revenue authorities (Tahsildar). Establishes who the heirs are. Suitable for pensions, insurance and some minor transfers.
- Succession Certificate — Issued by a court. Specifically covers debts and securities. Widely accepted by companies, banks and depositories.
- Letter of Administration — Issued by a court. Covers the entire estate including immovable property. Broader in scope than a Succession Certificate.
How It Is Obtained
- Application — Legal heir files a petition in the District Court of the deceased's ordinary residence.
- Court Fee — Ad valorem based on the value of assets claimed.
- Public Notice — Published in newspapers inviting objections for 45 days.
- Grant of Certificate — If unopposed, the court issues the certificate — typically 5–7 months from filing.
Documents Typically Required
Death certificate of deceased
Family tree affidavit
ID / address proof of petitioner
List of debts & securities
NOC from other heirs
Legal heir certificate (if any)
Ration card / school certificate proving relation
Advocate's vakalatnama
How We Help
Our legal panel drafts the petition with correct valuation, files at the appropriate court, coordinates all notice publications and NOCs, and — once the certificate is granted — assists in presenting it to RTAs, banks and depositories to complete the transmission.