When a person passes away without leaving a will, the legal heirs have to apply for a legal heir certificate to claim the deceased person’s property and assets. In the past, obtaining a legal heir certificate involved a tedious and time-consuming process of visiting government offices and submitting physical documents. However, with the advent of online services, it has become much easier to apply for a legal heir certificate from the comfort of your home. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of applying for a legal heir certificate online, step-by-step.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Your State Government
To apply for a legal heir certificate online, the first step is to visit the official website of your state government. Each state has a different website for this purpose, and you can easily find the link by searching for “legal heir certificate + your state name” on a search engine. Once you have found the official website, look for the section on legal heir certificates.
Step 2: Register on the Website
To apply for a legal heir certificate online, you need to register on the website. Look for the “Register” or “Sign Up” button and provide your basic details such as name, email ID, phone number, and address. After registering, you will receive a username and password that you can use to log in to the website.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
After logging in, you will find the application form for a legal heir certificate. Fill in the form carefully, providing all the required details such as the name of the deceased, date of death, details of legal heirs, and relationship with the deceased. Make sure to attach all the necessary documents, such as death certificate, proof of relationship with the deceased, and proof of address.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once you have filled in the application form and attached all the necessary documents, click on the “Submit” button. Your application will be sent to the concerned department for verification.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
After submitting the application, you will be directed to a payment gateway where you can pay the fees for the legal heir certificate. The fees vary from state to state and can be paid using online banking, credit/debit cards, or e-wallets.
Step 6: Track the Application
After submitting the application and paying the fees, you can track the status of your application online. You will receive updates via SMS and email regarding the progress of your application.
Step 7: Collect the Certificate
Once your application is approved, you can download the legal heir certificate from the website. You can also collect a physical copy of the certificate from the concerned department by showing the online receipt and identity proof.
In addition to the documents mentioned earlier, some states may require additional documents such as an affidavit stating that the deceased did not leave a will, the family tree of the deceased, and a no-objection certificate from other legal heirs.
It is essential to keep track of the status of your application and ensure that you respond promptly to any queries or requests for additional information from the concerned department. Delays or incorrect information can lead to rejection of the application or further delays in obtaining the certificate.
In case of any discrepancies or errors in the legal heir certificate, you can apply for corrections by submitting an application along with the necessary documents and fees.
Conclusion
Applying for a legal heir certificate online has made the process much more accessible and convenient. By following the steps outlined above and providing accurate and complete information, you can obtain the legal heir certificate in a hassle-free and timely manner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.What is a legal heir certificate?
A legal heir certificate is a document issued by the government to the legal heirs of a deceased person. It is proof of their relationship with the deceased and entitles them to claim the deceased person’s property and assets.
Q.Who is eligible to apply for a legal heir certificate?
The immediate legal heirs of the deceased person such as spouse, children, parents, and siblings are eligible to apply for a legal heir certificate.
Q.What documents are required to apply for a legal heir certificate online?
The documents required may vary from state to state, but generally, you need to provide a death certificate of the deceased, proof of your relationship with the deceased, and proof of your address.
Q.Can I apply for a legal heir certificate online from any state?
No, you can only apply for a legal heir certificate online in the state where the deceased person was residing or where the property is located.
Q.What is the fees for a legal heir certificate?
The fees for a legal heir certificate vary from state to state and can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees.
Q.How long does it take to obtain a legal heir certificate?
The processing time for a legal heir certificate varies from state to state and can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Q.What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can reapply by submitting the necessary documents and fees. Alternatively, you can file an appeal with the concerned authority or approach a lawyer for legal advice.
Q.How can I track the status of my application?
You can track the status of your application online by logging in to the official website of your state government or by contacting the concerned department via email or phone.
Q.Is it necessary to collect a physical copy of the legal heir certificate?
No, it is not necessary to collect a physical copy of the legal heir certificate. You can download it from the website and use it as proof of your relationship with the deceased. However, if you require a physical copy, you can collect it from the concerned department by showing the online receipt and identity proof.
Q.How long is a legal heir certificate valid?
A legal heir certificate is valid for a lifetime and does not expire. However, in case of any changes in the legal heirs or property, you may need to apply for a new certificate.
