Disputes of Inheritance & Succession: Safeguarding Your Family Legacy

We at AK Legal Mantra realize that inheritance and succession disputes can be highly emotional and legally intricate. Whether it’s a contention regarding a will, rights to property, or family property, our legal experts are committed to offering expert advice to help your family’s legacy be safeguarded and your legitimate claims be secured.

What are Inheritance & Succession Disputes?

Inheritance disputes occur when there is a disagreement within family members on the division of a deceased individual’s property or estate. Inheritance disputes often entail contested wills, probate matters, or contested validity of a will or testament. Succession disputes usually occur when there is no will (intestate succession) and the property is given away as per the relevant laws.

Inheritance disputes can entail:

  • Contested Wills: Disputes regarding the validity of a will or testament.
  • Intestate Succession: Where a person passes away without executing a will, causing conflicts over how the property should be inherited.
  • Property and Asset Distribution: Conflicts over the equitable sharing of assets, such as property, jewelry, bank accounts, and investments.
  • Right to Ancestral Property: Disputes on the right to inherited ancestral property under statutes like Hindu Succession Act.

How AK Legal Mantra Can Assist with Inheritance & Succession Disputes

  1. Will Contestation:
    In case you suspect a will is invalid based on reasons such as fraud, undue influence, lack of capacity, or forgery, our attorneys can assist in contesting the will in court. We ensure your issues are brought to light fully and your claim is backed by solid evidence.
  2. Legal Advice on Intestate Succession:
    If a family member dies without a will, we can advise you regarding how property will be divided under laws of intestate succession, such as the Hindu Succession Act, Indian Succession Act, or Muslim Personal Law. We assist you in safeguarding your rights of inheritance.
  3. Probate Matters:
    When a will has to be put into effect, probate must be issued through the court. We help in the probate filing and legal approval to manage the deceased individual’s estate in terms of their will. If the will is challenged, we are your advocates in court where any disputes have to be settled and the legal heirs identified.
  4. Family Settlement Agreements:
    In other instances, a family settlement can settle matters amicably without recourse to long-term litigation. We assist in mediation among family members and help draw up legally enforceable settlement agreements to prevent further disputes.
  5. Legal Action for Property & Asset Claims:
    We assist you in filing legal proceedings to recover property and assets that you feel are yours by rights. Whether through civil action or specific performance proceedings, our attorneys make sure that your claims are effectively pursued and efficiently brought to fruition.
  6. Guardianship and Trust Issues:
    Conflicts usually surround the custody of minor children or the control of a trust. Our skilled legal experts resolve such conflicts while maintaining the best interest of the children and beneficiaries.

Why Choose AK Legal Mantra for Inheritance & Succession Disputes?

At AK Legal Mantra, we provide customized legal solutions to navigate the intricacies of succession and inheritance disputes. Our experienced lawyers ensure that your rights are protected, whether you are disputing a will, asserting a rightful claim to the estate, or seeking to resolve disputes between heirs.

  • Specialized Knowledge of Inheritance Laws: Our attorneys are knowledgeable in Indian inheritance laws, such as Hindu Succession Act, Indian Succession Act, and Muslim Personal Law, allowing us to give accurate and trustworthy advice.
  • Effective Litigation Support: If you need to oppose a will, present a probate petition, or pursue civil litigation, we offer effective support in court.
  • Mediation & Settlement: We look to resolve conflicts by way of mediation or settlement agreement, enabling families to skip lengthy, expensive court cases and stay in harmony.
  • Guarding Your Interests: We ensure your interests are protected and your rights are preserved whether you are an heir, executor, or a concerned family member.

FAQs

1. What do I do if I think a will is forged?
If you suspect fraud or undue influence in the making of a will, we can assist you to challenge the will by obtaining evidence and presenting your case before a court of law.

2. How is property distributed if a person dies intestate?
Where there is no will, the property of the deceased person follows the rules of intestate succession, which vary with the religion of the person. We assist in walking you through the procedure under the governing law.

3. Can a relative challenge a will?
Yes, it is possible to challenge a will by a family member if they feel the will is invalid based on grounds such as lack of capacity, fraud, or undue influence. We assist in challenging wills in order to safeguard your rights.

4. What is the effect of an unprobated will?
If a will remains unprobated, the executor cannot lawfully deal with the estate, and that can result in delays in the distribution of assets. We help in procuring probate for a smooth deal with the estate.

5. Can a family settlement sort out inheritance disputes?
Yes, a family settlement is an efficient method of sorting out inheritance disputes without going to court. We help in negotiating and preparing legally binding family settlement agreements.