1. Why Create a Will?
Disclaimer: This website is a self-help educational tool and does not provide legal advice. The generated document is a draft based on standard Indian legal templates. For complex estates, disputes, or tax planning, please consult a qualified lawyer. This tool has no official legal standing.
тЪая╕П The Truth About "Nominees"
There is a dangerous misconception in India that a Nominee becomes the owner of the asset upon death. This is false.
The Legal Reality: A Nominee is merely a "Trustee" or "Custodian." Their only job is to hold the money/asset until it can be distributed to the Legal Heirs.
The Consequence: If you don't write a Will, your Nominee might have to fight legal battles with other relatives who claim a share of your wealth under religious succession laws. A Will overrides this and makes your wish the final law.
ЁЯУЭ You Can Do This Offline (No App Needed)
We built this app to help you, but you should know your rights. You can create a perfectly valid Will on a plain piece of A4 paper.
- No Stamp Paper: A Will does NOT need to be written on stamp paper.
- Handwritten is Best: Courts often trust handwritten wills more than typed ones as they are harder to forge.
- The Golden Rule: You must sign it in the presence of Two Witnesses, and they must sign it immediately after you.
- Registration: While optional, registering your Will at the Sub-Registrar's office is highly recommended.
2. Your Details & Religion
тД╣я╕П Important for Muslims (Sharia Law)
Under Islamic Succession Laws, the testamentary freedom is limited:
- The 1/3rd Rule: You can generally only bequeath up to 1/3rd of your total estate through a Will. The remaining 2/3rds must be distributed to your legal heirs according to fixed shares in the Quran.
- Consent Required: If you wish to give more than 1/3rd, or if you wish to give any amount to a legal heir who is already receiving a fixed share, you typically need the consent of all other heirs after your death. Without this consent, that part of the Will may be invalid.
тД╣я╕П Hindu Succession Act
Note: For the purpose of succession laws in India, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists are governed by the Hindu Succession Act.
Ancestral vs. Self-Acquired Property:
- Self-Acquired Property: Assets you earned or bought yourself. You have 100% freedom to give these to anyone you like.
- Ancestral Property: Property inherited from up to 4 generations back. You cannot Will away the entire property, only your share of it. Other family members (coparceners) have a birthright in this property.
This establishes the legal jurisdiction.
3. The Executor
An executor is the person you trust to carry out the instructions in your will. They will manage your estate, pay debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Note: An executor can also be a beneficiary in the same will - this is common and perfectly legal.
Requirements:
- Must be 18+ years old (Major)
- Must be of sound mind
- Should be trustworthy and responsible
Primary Executor(s)
Tip: Most wills have 1-3 executors. Having many can slow decision-making.
Alternate Executor (Optional)
Recommended: An alternate ensures someone can serve if your primary executor(s) cannot.
4. Your Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries (also called heirs) are people who will receive your assets after your death. They can be family members, friends, or organizations.
Who can be a beneficiary:
- Any person (including minors with guardians)
- Charitable organizations or trusts
- Multiple people can share assets
5. Distribute Assets
ЁЯТб Asset Identification Tips
You can describe assets in general terms or include specific details to help your executor locate them.
тЪая╕П Privacy Note: Wills may become public records during probate. Consider:
- Using partial identifiers (e.g. "Account ending in 1234")
- Keeping full details in a separate private Asset Inventory document that you give directly to your executor (not filed with the Will)
Specific Assets
Add detailed assets (Flat, Bank A/C, Insurance, etc.) here.
Residual Assets (Everything Else)
Covers assets not listed above or future acquisitions.
Will Draft Ready!
Choose a format to download your Will.
ЁЯУЛ Critical Next Steps
Print on high-quality A4 paper. Digital signatures are NOT valid for Wills in India.
Sign Every Page
To prevent tampering or page swapping, You and your two witnesses must sign the bottom of every single page. A Will without signatures on all pages can be challenged in court.
REMINDER: Beneficiaries must NOT sign the Will.
Safe Storage
Store safely and tell your Executor where it is.
Record a Video Will (Pro Tip)
Record a video on your phone while signing. Read the Will aloud to prove sound mind.
Register (Optional)
Register at Sub-Registrar office to prevent disputes.