Real Estate Attorney Fort Lauderdale Assisting NRIs with Cross-Border Transactions, Builder Fraud, and Property Inheritance

Navigating property matters across borders can be overwhelming, especially for NRIs and OCIs living in the USA. Whether you’re dealing with builder fraud, inheritance disputes, or international real estate transactions, having a trusted real estate attorney Fort Lauderdale can make all the difference.

Why NRIs Need a Real Estate Attorney Fort Lauderdale

NRIs and OCIs often face unique challenges when managing property in India while residing abroad. These include:

Cross-border transactions involving Indian and U.S. jurisdictions
Builder fraud and delayed possession
Inheritance disputes and succession complexities
Title verification and encumbrance checks
Taxation and repatriation of funds

An experienced real estate attorney Fort Lauderdale understands both Indian and U.S. legal systems and ensures that your property rights are protected across jurisdictions.

1. Legal Frameworks Protecting NRIs in Property Matters

Indian Laws Relevant to NRIs

Hindu Succession Act, 1956: Governs inheritance for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists
Indian Succession Act, 1925: Applies to Christians and Parsis
Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937: Governs Muslim inheritance matters
Transfer of Property Act, 1882: Regulates transfer of property ownership
RERA Act, 2016: Protects buyers from builder fraud and delays

U.S. Legal Considerations

FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act): Controls repatriation of sale proceeds from India
DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement): Prevents double taxation for NRIs between the U.S. and India

2. Recent Legal Developments Impacting NRIs

Builder Fraud Judgment (2025)

The Supreme Court of India ruled that any judgment obtained through fraud is null and void, reinforcing protection for NRIs in real estate disputes.

Godrej Projects v. Anil Karlekar (2025)

The Supreme Court capped builder forfeiture at 10% of the Basic Sale Price, offering relief from unfair contract clauses.

Inheritance Law Updates

NRIs can now legally inherit agricultural land, although they cannot purchase it. While India imposes no inheritance tax, rental income and capital gains from inherited property remain taxable.

3. How LawCrust Supports NRIs and OCIs

LawCrust Legal Consulting, a division of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a trusted legal partner for NRIs and OCIs across the globe. With a network of over 70 lawyers and 25+ empanelled law firms, we provide comprehensive legal support across India and internationally. Our services include:

Legal finance and litigation support
Resolution of matrimonial and property disputes
Estate planning, wls, and heirship certificates
RERA and builder fraud litigation
FDI, FII, M&A, and fundraising legal compliance
OCI card and immigration law assistance

We specialise in real estate attorney Fort Lauderdale services that are custom for NRIs and OCIs, blending cultural sensitivity with deep legal knowledge of Indian and U.S. systems.

FAQs for NRIs & OCIs

1. Can NRIs inherit property in India?

Yes, NRIs can inherit residential, commercial, and agricultural land in India. There is no inheritance tax in India, but income from such property is taxable.

2. How can I resolve builder fraud from abroad?

You can file a complaint under RERA or initiate civil and consumer proceedings through a real estate attorney Fort Lauderdale in collaboration with Indian lawyers.

3. What documents are needed to claim inherited property?

Essential documents include the death certificate, legal heir certificate, title documents, and probate or letters of administration, if applicable.

4. Can I repatriate funds from a property sale in India?

Yes, you can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year with Form 15CA/15CB and subject to FEMA compliance.

5. Is Power of Attorney required for property transactions?

Yes, a specific Power of Attorney is essential for any legal representative in India to act on your behalf regarding property matters.

Bridging Borders with Legal Confidence

As more NRIs and OCIs engage in property-related activities in India, cross-border legal expertise becomes a necessity. With evolving real estate laws and increasing protections under Indian law, the environment is becoming more favorable for overseas Indians. Partnering with a real estate attorney Fort Lauderdale gives you peace of mind and legal clarity in managing assets across continents.

Conclusion

For NRIs and OCIs, property matters involve more than ownership they reflect legacy, family ties, and financial security. With the right legal support, you can navigate challenges like builder fraud, inheritance claims, and cross-border real estate transactions with clarity and confidence. Trust LawCrust for expert real estate attorney Fort Lauderdale services that support the global Indian community with precision and care.

LawCrust Legal Consulting

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 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.

How a Real Estate Attorney Fort Lauderdale Helps NRIs with Indian Property Matters