When a person passes away without leaving a will, their family members often need to claim the deceased’s financial assets — such as bank deposits, insurance, or investments. In such cases, the court issues a Succession Certificate to the rightful legal heirs under Section 372 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925.
This document serves as proof of authority for heirs to collect debts or securities and transfer movable assets in their name.
If you are planning to apply for one, here’s the standard format used across most Indian District Courts.
In this Article
Quick Answer:
A Succession Certificate is a legal document issued by the District Court under Section 372 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, giving heirs the authority to collect and transfer the deceased person’s movable assets.
👉 You can apply by submitting a written petition in the prescribed format, along with documents like the death certificate, ID proof, and proof of relationship.
What is a Succession Certificate?
A Succession Certificate is an official document granted by a civil court to legal heirs of a deceased person who died intestate (without a will). It allows heirs to:
- Claim bank balances, fixed deposits, or insurance proceeds
- Transfer or sell securities, mutual funds, or shares
- Settle debts owed to the deceased
The certificate ensures rightful ownership, prevents disputes, and gives banks or financial institutions the confidence to release assets to verified heirs.
When Do You Need a Succession Certificate?
You’ll need a Succession Certificate if:
- The deceased did not leave a will (intestate death).
- You want to claim movable assets like savings, insurance, mutual funds, or bonds.
- The asset holder (bank, company, or insurer) requires court authorization before releasing funds.
Note: For immovable properties like land or houses, heirs usually need a legal heir certificate or probate, not a succession certificate.
Succession Certificate Application Format
I, [Full Name of Applicant], son/daughter/wife of [Full Name of Father/Husband], aged [Age] years, residing at [Full Address], do hereby state as follows:
1. That [Full Name of the Deceased], son/daughter/wife of [Full Name], who was residing at [Address of the Deceased], passed away on [Date of Death] without leaving a Will (intestate).
2. That I am one of the legal heirs of the deceased, and the following are the other surviving legal heirs of the deceased: S. No. Name of Legal Heir Relation with Deceased Age Address 1 [Full Name] [Relation] [Age] [Address] 2 [Full Name] [Relation] [Age] [Address]
3. That the deceased left the following debts and securities which are now required to be collected, realized, or transferred to the names of the legal heirs: S. No. Name of Institution Type of Asset Account / Policy No. Approx. Value (₹) 1 [Bank / Company / Mutual Fund] [FD / Savings / Shares / Insurance] [Details] [Value] 2 [Institution] [Asset Type] [Details] [Value]
4. That no application for probate, letter of administration, or succession certificate has been made or granted to any other person in respect of the estate of the deceased, to the best of my knowledge and belief.
5. That I am making this application for the issuance of a Succession Certificate under Section 372 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, in respect of the above-mentioned assets, debts, and securities of the deceased.
6. That I undertake to indemnify all concerned authorities and institutions in case of any dispute or objection raised in the future regarding the assets or legal heirs.
7. That I am willing to pay the requisite court fees, provide surety or bond, and comply with any directions issued by the Hon’ble Court in this regard.
DECLARATION
I, [Full Name of Applicant], hereby declare that the information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and that nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
Place: [City]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
(Signature of Applicant)
[Full Name of Applicant]
Address: [Full Address]
Mobile: [Number]
Email: [Email Address]
List of Documents to Attach
1. Death Certificate of the deceased
2. ID Proof of the applicant (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
3. Proof of relationship with the deceased (Birth/Marriage Certificate)
4. Proof of assets (Bank statement, investment certificate, etc.)
5. Address proof of the applicant
6. Any other supporting documents, if applicable
Download the Succession Certificate Application Format
- To make it simple, we’ve created a ready-to-use MS Word version of this Succession Certificate Application.
- You can fill it with your details and submit it to the District Court of your jurisdiction.
Download Succession Certificate Application Format (Word)
Why Using the Correct Application Format Matters
Using the official Succession Certificate Application Format minimizes the risk of delays or rejections. Courts prefer clear, structured applications with all mandatory details such as:
- Full details of the deceased
- List of all legal heirs
- Specifics of assets and account numbers
- Declarations about other pending applications
A small error — such as missing heir information — can delay the process significantly.
A Succession Certificate is often the first legal step to settle a deceased person’s financial affairs.
Using the correct format ensures your application isn’t delayed due to missing or incorrect details.
If you need help filing your application or verifying your eligibility, you can consult a local legal expert or reach out to our support team for guidance.
Click here to request Succession Certificate Assistance
Disclaimer: The downloadable formats provided on this page are for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, users are advised to verify details with relevant authorities or legal professionals before using these documents.
