A close relative of mine lost his spouse recently. After a month he informed me that he intends to nominate me for his property as he has no sibliings nor children. what is my status in this matter. will I be able to claim the property in the event of his death. please advise

Ans: In India, the legal rights of inheritance to ancestral property are governed by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. According to this act, as a daughter, you have an equal right to inherit your father's ancestral property along with your brother and mother, irrespective of whether a will has been made or not. This applies even if the property was acquired before the 1956 Act came into force.

Your brother cannot deny you of your legal right to inherit the ancestral property. If he is doing so, you have the right to take legal recourse and file a suit for partition of the property in court. You can also seek the assistance of a qualified lawyer to help you understand your legal rights and the process of claiming your share in the property.

It is important to note that the exact share of each person would depend on various factors such as the number of legal heirs, the type of property, and whether any partition has taken place in the past. A qualified lawyer can help you understand these factors and assist you in taking the necessary steps to claim your rightful share in the ancestral property.

Ans: On demise, the nominee will get the mutual fund investments. However, the nominee only holds it "in trust" till the legal heir claims it. You can discuss with a lawyer and take this up accordingly.

Ans: Obtain a Copy of the Will

Visit the local Sub-Registrar's office to get a certified copy of the will. This will confirm if the will exists and if it's legally valid.
Consult a Legal Expert

Speak to a lawyer who specialises in property and inheritance law. They can guide you on the legality of the will and its validity.
Challenge the Will in Court

If you suspect foul play or believe the will is forged, you can challenge it in court. Your lawyer can help you file a case for probate or contest the will.
Gather Evidence

Collect any evidence that supports your claim, like statements from your grandmother or witnesses who knew her intentions.
Secure Other Documents

Ensure all other property documents are in your possession to prevent any further disputes.
Proceeding legally and with the help of a qualified lawyer will be essential in resolving this matter.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in