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.