Section outline

  • \What If There’s No Will? – Succession 🧾

    In India, when someone dies without leaving a will, the property is distributed according to succession laws. This process is called intestate succession. It may sound technical, but understanding who inherits what — especially as a woman — is crucial to avoid being denied what is legally yours.

    • 🔹 Hindu Succession (No Will)

      • 👩‍❤️‍👨 If a man dies without a will, his property goes equally to:
        • Wife
        • Children (sons and daughters equally)
        • Mother
      • 👧 A daughter has the same share as a son in both self-earned and ancestral property
      • 🧓 If there are no wife, children, or mother — property passes to father, then siblings

      This applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. Christian and Muslim laws differ slightly.

    • 🔹 Muslim and Christian Succession

      • 🕌 Muslim women (under personal law) do inherit, but shares differ for sons and daughters
      • ✝️ Christian women (widows and daughters) also inherit but need to prove legal heirship
      • 📄 All groups may need a legal document called a Succession Certificate to claim property

      💡 Practical Tip

      If someone in your family has passed away without a will, consult a legal advisor to get a succession certificate from the court. This allows you to claim bank accounts, land, or pension dues legally.

      🌼 Final Thought

      Even if someone didn’t write a will, you still have rights. Knowing the basic rules of succession means you can speak up — with confidence and without guilt.