How to Get a Succession Certificate in Kolkata-succession lawyer
When a loved one passes away, managing their estate often feels overwhelming. To claim movable assets like bank accounts, shares, and bonds, heirs must obtain a key legal document: a succession certificate. In a city like Kolkata, where legal procedures can be intricate, the guidance of an experienced lawyer makes the process far less stressful.
What Is a Succession Certificate and What Does It Cover?
A succession certificate is a legal document issued by a district court that confirms an heir’s right to claim the movable assets of a deceased individual. It authorises heirs to access and manage assets that lack a nominated beneficiary. However, it does not apply to immovable property such as houses or land. For those, heirs must rely on a legal heirship certificate or a partition deed.
The Indian Succession Act, 1925, governs the entire process, ensuring consistency and fairness.
Why You Need a Succession Lawyer in Kolkata
Although heirs can technically apply on their own, most families prefer professional support. A succession lawyer in Kolkata adds value by:
- Clarifying Legal Rights: They explain who qualifies as a legal heir under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and prevent disputes over exclusion.
- Streamlining Documentation: They prepare and review the death certificate, asset details, and affidavits to eliminate costly errors.
- Handling Court Representation: They appear in hearings, respond to objections, and ensure smooth progress of the application.
- Resolving Disputes: They mediate family disagreements and work toward amicable settlements, saving families from drawn-out conflicts.
Key Steps to Obtain a Succession Certificate in Kolkata
- Step 1: Consult a Succession Lawyer
Begin with expert advice. A lawyer reviews the deceased’s estate, identifies all heirs, and explains the applicable legal steps.
- Step 2: Prepare the Application
Your lawyer drafts an application for the district court. It includes the deceased’s details, a complete list of heirs, and a description of all movable assets. Thanks to 2025 updates, applications can now be filed digitally on ecourts.gov.in, reducing paperwork and delays.
- Step 3: Submit Required Documents
With your lawyer’s help, gather the essentials:
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Identity and address proof for heirs (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- An affidavit confirming relationships to the deceased
Lawyers also verify details through platforms like Banglarbhumi, ensuring accuracy before submission.
- Step 4: Court Proceedings and Verification
The court publishes a public notice to invite objections. It then schedules a hearing to verify the claims. During this stage, your lawyer represents you, answers questions, and addresses any disputes raised by other heirs.
- Step 5: Certificate Issuance
Once the court verifies everything, it issues the succession certificate. Since 2025, heirs in Kolkata can download digital certificates directly from ecourts.gov.in, making asset transfer quicker and more convenient.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Disputed Claims: Heirs often argue over shares. A property dispute lawyer can mediate. Under 2025 directives, mediation is now mandatory for most succession disputes.
- Documentation Errors: Missing or inaccurate documents delay approvals. Careful preparation by a lawyer prevents these setbacks.
- Lengthy Proceedings: Legal delays remain common, but e-filing and digital certificates have shortened timelines significantly.
FAQs on Succession Certificates in Kolkata
Q1. What assets does a succession certificate cover?
It applies to movable assets such as bank accounts, shares, bonds, and fixed deposits. It does not cover immovable property.
Q2. How long does the process take?
With 2025 updates, most cases finish within 3–6 months, depending on objections.
Q3. Can I apply online in Kolkata?
Yes. Applications can now be submitted and tracked via ecourts.gov.in.
Q4. What if heirs disagree on property division?
Mediation is the first step under 2025 directives. A dispute lawyer helps resolve disagreements before escalation to litigation.
Conclusion
Obtaining a succession certificate in Kolkata is essential for heirs who wish to access a deceased person’s movable assets legally. The process may feel complex, but with digital tools and the expertise of a succession lawyer, families can complete it smoothly. By working with a trusted firm like LawCrust, you can protect your legacy, comply with the law, and ensure a fair transfer of assets to rightful heirs.
About LawCrust Legal Consultation.
LawCrust Legal Consulting, a subsidiary of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a trusted legal partner for NRIs and Indians across the globe. Backed by a team of over 70 expert lawyers and more than 25 empanelled law firms, we offer a wide range of Premium Legal Services both in India and internationally. Our expertise spans across legal finance, litigation management, matrimonial disputes, property matters, estate planning, heirship certificates, RERA, and builder-related legal issues.
In addition to personal legal matters, LawCrust also provides expert support in complex corporate areas such as foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign institutional investment (FII), mergers & acquisitions, and fundraising. We also assist clients with OCI and immigration matters, startup solutions, and hybrid consulting solutions. Consistently ranked among the top legal consulting firms in India, LawCrust proudly delivers customised legal solutions across the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, APAC, and EMEA, offering culturally informed and cross-border expertise to meet the unique needs of the global Indian community.