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How to Apply for Succession Certificate 2026

Succession Certificate - court order for deceased's movable assets without Will. 6-12 months. Court fee 2-3%.

📁 Documents ⏱️ 30-45 mins filing 💰 2-3% asset value

About This Guide

Succession Certificate under Section 372 Indian Succession Act 1925. Issued by District Court for deceased person's movable assets (FD, shares, MF, debts owed) when NO Will exists. Court fee 2-3% of asset value (max ₹75,000-1L). 6-12 months process. Issued to legal heirs.

Eligibility Criteria

Legal heir of deceased
Deceased died intestate (no Will)
Movable assets to claim (FD, shares, MF, dues)
Indian jurisdiction
Adult applicant
No fraud/concealment

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting application. Missing documents = delayed approval.

Petition under Section 372
Death certificate of deceased
Family tree / Pedigree
Legal heir certificate (helpful)
Aadhaar/PAN of all heirs
NOC from other heirs
Asset details (FD, shares, etc.)
Court fee receipt (2-3%)
Photo of applicant
Newspaper publication (court ordered)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps in order. Each step is critical - skip none.

Hire Lawyer

₹15,000-50,000. Court process complex.

Determine Court

District Court of deceased's last residence OR where assets located.

Draft Petition

Section 372 application. Identify heirs, assets, share.

Submit Petition

Court fee 2-3% of asset value paid.

Initial Hearing

Court reviews. Asks for newspaper notice.

Newspaper Publication

Public notice in 2 newspapers. 45-day objection window.

Notice to Legal Heirs

All known heirs served notice.

Hearings

Multiple hearings. Witnesses examined. Asset details verified.

No Objection Period

45 days post-publication. Objections heard.

Bond Required

Surety bond for court satisfaction.

Order

Court issues Succession Certificate. Specifies heirs + their shares.

Use Certificate

Banks/companies release assets to certificate holders.

Key Benefits

Legal entitlement to deceased's movable assets
Bank/MF/share recovery
Court-validated heirship
Multiple heirs share specified
Civil court evidence
Prevents fraud
Settles disputes formally
Replaces missing Will

What Happens After Application?

6-12 months for full process. Use certificate at banks/MFs/companies. Mutation for immovable separately needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will vs Succession Certificate?

Will: testator decides distribution. Succession Certificate: when no Will (intestate), court decides per personal law.

Immovable property?

Succession Certificate ONLY for movable. Immovable: Letters of Administration (LoA) from court for inheritance without Will. Or partition deed among heirs.