How To Secure a Will In Maharashtra For Rs 100? Step-By-Step Process Explained

Registering a will has now become more convenient and affordable in Maharashtra, as residents can secure their wills at any of the state's 517 sub-registrar offices for just Rs 100. The move is expected to encourage better succession planning and help families avoid legal complications over property and asset distribution after the owner's death.

Wills do not face the four-month filing limit that applies to most property documents and can be registered long after execution. This also gives citizens the flexibility in planning succession. A person can register his/her/their will at any sub-registrar office with no deadline, reported Times of India citing Deputy Inspector General (IT) Abhay Mohite.

What Is A Will?

A will is a formal statement that records how a person wants self-acquired movable or immovable assets, and any share in ancestral property, to be shared after death. Registration is not compulsory under law, yet officials strongly advise it because a registered will carries higher authenticity, offers clearer legal proof, and usually cuts down conflicts among legal heirs.

How To Register Will in Maharashtra?

-The person willing to register the will needs to visit any nearest sub-registrar office.
-Bring your prepared draft of the will and submit it in the office.
-Now you are required to sign the will in the presence of two witnesses.
-Submit the will for registration to the sub-registrar office.
-Submit a declaration before the sub-registrar and confirm the execution of the will.
-Produce two identifying witnesses before the sub-registrar for authentication.
-Now you will be required to pay a registration fee of Rs 100 and Rs 20 for document handling charges per page.

Registration of Will After Death

Any person claiming a right through the will can also submit t for registration after the death of the owner. The sub-registrar will then confirm the authenticity of the document by checking whether it is properly signed, the death certificate and the verification of the applicant's legal authority using documents and witness evidence.

Sealed Registration Will

Maharashtra domiciles (or residents) can also deposti a sealed will with the district registrar for extra confidentiality. Officials listed the key papers needed for post-death will registration, such as a death certificate, an affidavit, statements from witnesses, and probate or a court order where required. They said will registration charges in many states generally fall between Rs 10 and Rs 100, and that most states do not levy stamp duty on wills, even when registered.