When someone passes away without a will, their heirs may need a succession certificate to collect financial assets — bank deposits, shares, and debts owed to the deceased. It establishes who is legally entitled to receive and give a valid discharge for those assets.
The broad steps
- File a petition before the appropriate district court.
- List the heirs and the assets to be covered.
- The court issues a public notice inviting objections.
- If unopposed, the certificate is granted to the rightful heirs.
Succession certificate vs legal heir certificate
A succession certificate is mainly for debts and securities; a legal heir certificate is a simpler document used for other purposes. The right one depends on the asset.
Usually not — a will (and, where required, probate) governs distribution. A succession certificate is mainly for intestate cases.