No Will? Hindu Succession Act Dictates Property Distribution

• The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 governs property inheritance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs when a person dies without a will (intestate succession).
• Property is distributed first to Class I heirs (son, daughter, widow, mother), then Class II heirs, and finally Agnates or Cognates.
• The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 granted daughters equal rights as sons in ancestral property, by birth.
• A Succession Certificate from a civil court is often required for legal heirs to claim assets like bank balances and investments without a will.
• Writing a will is crucial to prevent disputes, ensure clear property distribution, and avoid delays for heirs.

Why It Matters: A will ensures smooth property transfer; without it, the Hindu Succession Act and legal processes apply.