Distribution of assets of the deceased, which become part of his/her estate on the date of his/her death, is a crucial legal step. Successors become owners only after assets are lawfully transferred. Executor of valid and duly executed “Will” OR Administrator of the Estate of the Deceased, both have fiduciary duty towards the deceased as well as legal heirs. The task of distribution is assigned to duly appointed Executor/Administrator of the deceased. Su

Legal heirs, NRI’s and Resident Indians alike, must recognize that ALL financial affairs of the deceased are required to be laid to rest immediately after his/her passing away. Legal representative of the deceased is required to be appointed to pay outstanding debts and bills, file tax returns, and transfer ownership of assets of the deceased to lawful successors in accordance with law. No Transfer, no rights. Without transfer, all assets of the deceased are f

“Will” is not a property transfer document. It is just a legal declaration of intentions of the deceased for disposition of his/her assets after his death, which requires judicial determination to have any binding force. Whether the deceased executed legal, valid and proper legal instrument is a question of law. Its the Courts alone, that have jurisdiction to declare whether the deceased died “Intestate” (without Will), or “Testate” (without “Will”). No claimant is permitt

After losing loved ones, family members living in India as well as abroad face the daunting task of transferring the assets of the deceased to rightful owners and legal heirs. As assets cannot remain in the name of deceased, the same must be transferred at the earliest for smooth transition. When it comes to assets in any bank in the Republic of India, all banks follow the guidelines provided by Reserve Bank of India. The claimants are required to inform all banks of the dec