Will
A signed, witnessed document saying who gets your money and property after you die.
A will is a written document that says who gets your money and property after you die. You sign it and two witnesses attest it. It works alongside your nominees: they collect the money, and the will decides who keeps it. Name an executor to carry it out. Our lesson on writing a will walks through the steps.
Questions people ask
What makes a will valid in India?
Under section 63 of the Indian Succession Act, you sign the will or put your mark on it, and at least two witnesses attest it, each having seen you sign or had you acknowledge the signature, and each signing in your presence.
Is a nominee the same as the person named in a will?
No. A nominee collects money from a bank or fund and holds it for the legal heirs. The will decides who those heirs are and who finally keeps the money.
Do I need to register my will?
No, registration is optional. A properly signed and witnessed will is valid without it, though a registered will can be easier to prove if someone disputes it.
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