Disclaimer
The sample Succession Certificate Form provided below is only for illustrative and reference purposes and has been adapted from the Government site to help readers understand the general structure and information required in such petitions.
Succession Certificate petitions are governed by court procedure, local rules, and applicable court fee laws, which vary from State to State.
What is a Succession Certificate
A Succession Certificate is a court-issued legal certificate that authorises the legal heir(s) to collect debts and securities of a deceased person who died intestate (without a Will).
What Is Used For
A Succession Certificate is typically required for:
- Bank balances, fixed deposits
- Shares, debentures, bonds
- Provident fund, insurance claims
- Debt payable to the deceased
- It does not transfer ownership of immovable property. For land or a house, this certificate won't unlock the door.
Who Issues a Succession Certificate
Issued by the District Civil Court/Civil Judge (Senior Division)
Jurisdiction is based on:
- Place where the deceased ordinarily resided, or
- Location of assets
How Succession Certificate is Obtained
Same Across India
- Filing of petition before the competent Civil Court
- Verification of legal heirs and assets
- Court notice to public (newspaper publication)
- Objection period
- Court hearing
- Security Bond
- Issuance of Succession Certificate
Online vs Offline Mode
Important Clarification
There is no central online portal to directly issue a Succession Certificate, but you can file a petition and upload documents through state e-courts or district portals.
However, e-filing and case tracking are available in many states.
State-wise Overview
| State/UT | Where to Apply | Online Facility | Offline Mode | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All States | District Civil Court | e-courts | Yes | Court fee based on asset value | 3-12 months |
| Delhi | District Courts | Delhi e-court | Yes | As per Delhi Court Fees | 6-9 months |
| Maharashtra | Civil Courts | Maharashtra e-court | Yes | Court fees based on asset value | 6-12 months |
| Uttar Pradesh | Civil Courts | Uttar Pradesh e-court | Yes | Court fees based on asset value | 6-12 months |
| Karnataka | Civil Courts | Karnataka e-court | Yes | Court fees based on asset value | 4-9 months |
| Tamil Nadu | Civil Courts | Tamil Nadu e-court | Yes | Court fees based on asset value | 4-8 months |
Online Filing
- Visit State e-Courts portal
- Register as a litigant.
- Draft and upload Succession Certificate petition
- Upload documents
- Pay court fee
- Attend hearings physically
Offline Procedure
- Draft Succession Certificate Petition
- File before jurisdiction Civil Court
- Pay court fee
- Submit supporting documents
- Newspaper publication as ordered
- Attend hearings
- Collect the certificate after the order.
Documents Commonly Required
- Death Certificate of deceased
- Legal heir details and relationship proof
- Address proof of deceased
- List of debts and securities
- ID proof of applicants
- Affidavit and verification
FAQs – Succession Certificate
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1. Is Succession Certificate mandatory?
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Only for debts and securities when there is no Will.
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2. Can it be issued without a lawyer?
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Legally yes. Practically difficult.
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3. Is newspaper publication compulsory?
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Yes. It protects public objections.
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4. Can multiple heirs apply jointly?
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Yes.
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5. Is it valid across India?
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Yes, subject to asset recognition.
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6. Can objections stop the certificate?
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Yes. Disputes convert it into contested proceedings.
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7. Is it permanent?
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Yes, unless set aside by a competent court.
📁 Downloads & Resources
Access related documents and legal forms
Files
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Sample: Issuance of Succession Certificate (200.87 KB) | 200.87 KB |
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