Who inherits under each personal law, and which certificate, probate or letter of administration you need, with typical cost drivers.
Inheritance in India is governed by personal law: the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs; the Indian Succession Act, 1925 for Christians, Parsis and anyone married under the Special Marriage Act, and for wills made by almost everyone; and Muslim personal law, largely uncodified, for Muslims. The rules decide who inherits when there is no will, how far a will can depart from those rules, and which documents banks, registrars and housing societies will ask for.
Start with the overview of inheritance law in India, then read the guide for your family's personal law. The certificates comparison explains the paperwork, and the probate guide explains what changed when Parliament omitted section 213 of the Indian Succession Act in December 2025.
Court fees and advocate fees vary by state and by case. Wherever we give a rupee figure it is an illustrative example, not a quoted fee. The rules here are general guidance. Family settlements, disputed wills and agricultural land often raise state-specific questions that need a lawyer.
Succession rules, documents and costs
A Hindu daughter as coparcener by birth under section 6, what Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma (2020) decided, and a worked share example.
Succession rules, documents and costs
Class I and Class II heirs under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and how shares are worked out for a man or woman dying without a will.
Succession rules, documents and costs
How the Indian Succession Act divides a Christian or Parsi estate without a will, worked share examples, and its will rules for everyone.
Succession rules, documents and costs
Who inherits in India under each personal law, with or without a will, which documents you need, what it costs and the 2026 tax position.
Succession rules, documents and costs
Muslim inheritance in India: the one-third limit on a wasiyat, bequests to heirs, common fixed shares and gifts by hiba, with examples.
Succession rules, documents and costs
Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act was omitted in December 2025. When probate is still useful, the procedure and an illustrative cost.
Succession rules, documents and costs
Legal heir certificate, succession certificate, probate or letters of administration: who issues each, costs, timelines and which you need.
