Protect Your Property for Your Heirs with These 5 Legal Moves

Keep the burden off your family – lay out their future TODAY.

Fights over land and savings can tear kin apart. Secure what you earned with these five simple steps.

Step 1: Draft and File a Clear Will

Why? If you leave no Will, the courts decide who takes what.

How?

• Itemize every asset – house, car, accounts, shares.

• Name who gets each piece and write their share.

• File it at the local sub-registrar for extra strength.

Pro tip: Refresh your Will after big life shifts – weddings, splits, babies.

Step 2: Set Heirs as Nominees or Joint Owners

Why? Nominations let assets pass quickly, sparing court queues.

How?

• For land, update mutation records at the ward office.

• In bank and share accounts, name the heir on forms.

• As a backup, add a trusted child or sibling as co-owner.

Caution: Nominee status is not full title. A valid Will still rules.

Step 3: Gift Property Wisely (If It Makes Sense)

Why? Handing over assets now cuts arguments later.

How?

• Draft a gift deed and file it with the sub-registrar.

• Pay the stamp duty; rates differ by state.

• Ensure the heir moves in or uses the asset to block claims.

Best for: Moms and dads who want to move the family home to the kids while they’re still around.

Step 4: Create a Family Settlement Agreement

Why? It stops future arguments among heirs.

How?

• Hold a calm family meeting and decide who gets what.

• Write the agreement, have it stamped and everyone sign.

• Register the document so it can be enforced in court.

Example: If siblings decide to split property, record the deal properly.

Step 5: Keep Documents Safe & Inform Heirs

Why? Missing papers can create legal nightmares for the family.

How?

• Store originals in a bank locker or secure digital vault.

• Give copies to trusted relatives and your lawyer.

• Keep a folder of deeds, tax receipts, loan papers and similar records.