Trust Deed Drafting: 5 Key Clauses | Draft My Documents
August 24, 2026
No Comments
A succession certificate is a legal document that authorises the heirs of a deceased person to collect debts and securities owed to that person, such as bank deposits, insurance claims, or shares. It’s issued by a civil court and serves as proof of the holder’s right to represent the deceased in financial matters.
At Draft My Documents in Mumbai, we help families understand when a succession certificate is needed and support them through the application process.
A succession certificate specifically applies to movable assets like bank accounts, fixed deposits, shares, and insurance proceeds, not immovable property. It gives the certificate holder legal authority to collect these assets and, where necessary, transfer or convert them.
This makes it distinct from other legal documents like a will or a probate order, which serve different purposes.
1. It’s Issued by a Civil Court A succession certificate is granted through a court petition, not through a simple administrative application, and typically requires legal representation.
2. It Doesn’t Cover Immovable Property Succession certificates apply only to movable assets like bank balances and securities, not land or buildings.
3. It’s Needed When There’s No Will A succession certificate is most commonly required when a person dies intestate, meaning without a valid will directing how assets should be distributed.
4. Multiple Heirs Can Apply Jointly When there are several legal heirs, they can apply together for a single succession certificate covering the deceased’s movable assets.
5. The Process Involves a Public Notice Period Courts typically issue a public notice inviting objections before granting a succession certificate, which adds time to the overall process.
A succession certificate becomes necessary when a bank, insurance company, or other institution requires legal proof of inheritance before releasing funds or securities belonging to a deceased person who left no will. Without it, these institutions generally won’t release the assets to claimed heirs.
For general information on succession laws applicable in India, the Government of India’s e-Governance portal provides useful background.
Navigating a succession certificate application during an already difficult time shouldn’t add unnecessary stress. Draft My Documents brings the same careful, supportive approach to this process as we do to every legal document and procedure we assist with.
Phone: +91 9016855337 / +91 9867170895
Email: draftmydocuments1@gmail.com
Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sat–Sun: Closed
No, a succession certificate covers movable assets like bank accounts and securities, while probate relates to validating a will, typically for immovable property and other assets.
The process can take several months, largely due to the mandatory public notice period courts observe before granting the certificate.
Yes, other potential heirs or interested parties can raise objections during the notice period before the certificate is granted.
Generally no; if a valid will exists, the executor or beneficiaries typically use probate or other processes rather than a succession certificate.
No, it only applies to movable assets like bank deposits and securities, not land or buildings.
