Dispute Over Inheritance or a Will
Disagreement among family members about property or assets after a death.
What this generally means
Inheritance is governed by the relevant personal law or a valid will, and disputes are typically resolved by verifying the will's validity or applying succession law.
Your journey
You Are Here
You're trying to understand what to do about an inheritance dispute. That's a good first step.
Understand Issue
Read through what this situation generally means and what your options are.
Gather Documents
Collect the evidence and paperwork that will support your case.
Contact Resource
Reach out to the most relevant authority, helpline, or legal aid service.
Escalate If Needed
If the first contact doesn't resolve things, escalate to a higher forum or authority.
Follow Up
Track your complaint's status and keep records of every response you receive.
Common next steps
- 1Locate and verify any existing will.
- 2Gather documents proving your relationship to the deceased.
- 3Consult a family law legal aid clinic about your entitlement.
- 4Consider mediation or a Lok Adalat before pursuing a contested court case.
Useful documents
- Will, if one exists
- Death certificate
- Family relationship proof
- Property ownership documents
Relevant authorities
- Family Court
- Lok Adalat Property Cell
Frequently asked questions
What happens if there's no will?+
Inheritance is then decided according to the applicable personal succession law based on your relationship to the deceased.
Can a will be challenged?+
Yes, a will can be contested on grounds like undue influence, lack of mental capacity, or improper execution.
Verified resources
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
Provides free legal aid and mediation for family disputes, including maintenance and custody, via a 10-language IVR system.
Lok Adalat (Property Disputes)
Free, informal alternative dispute resolution forum for settling property disputes amicably. Ask your District Legal Services Authority (15100) about the next Lok Adalat date.
Understanding Maintenance Rights (Guide)
Plain-language explainer on maintenance and alimony provisions under family law.