Legal Primer

The Three Documents — What They Actually Mean

Most Indians conflate a nomination with ownership. They're not the same. Here's the truth about each, in plain language.

Strongest

Registered Will

•Plain paper — no stamp duty required
•Signed + 2 witness attestation
•Filed at Sub-Registrar's office
•100% of assets go exactly as you decide
•Virtually impossible to successfully challenge
•Cost: ₹1,000–5,000 (registration only)

Valid but weak

Unregistered Will

•Completely legally valid
•Signed + 2 witness attestation
•Can be challenged more easily in court
•Not on public record
•Best upgrade path: register at Sub-Registrar

Not a substitute

Nomination

•Nominee is a trustee, NOT the owner
•Must distribute per succession law after death
•Set in bank accounts, insurance, PF, mutual funds
•Convenient but insufficient on its own
•Always pair with a Will

Which Law Applies to You?

Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains — Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Muslims — Muslim Personal Law (Shariat), 1937. Christians, Parsis & Special Marriage Act — Indian Succession Act, 1925.