People often ask us to "notarise" a Will assuming that is what makes it valid. It is worth knowing what actually gives a Will its legal force, because it is not the stamp or the notary seal.
What makes a Will valid
Under the Indian Succession Act, a Will is valid when it is signed by the person making it (the testator) and attested by two witnesses who see the signing and sign themselves in the testator's presence. That is the requirement. No stamp paper and no notary attestation is needed for a Will to be legally valid in India.
Then why do people register or notarise a Will anyway?
Registration (at the sub-registrar's office) and notarisation are optional, but useful as evidence — they make it harder for someone to later claim the Will was forged or backdated, since there is an official record of it being deposited or attested on a specific date. We offer both if you want that extra layer, but we will not tell you it is legally required when it is not.
What we help with
- Drafting the Will clearly, in plain language, covering your assets and beneficiaries
- Arranging the two witnesses required for valid execution
- Notarising or assisting with registration, if you want either
- Drafting a Codicil if you need to amend an existing Will
What to bring
A list of your assets (property, accounts, investments) and who you want each to go to, your Aadhaar, and details of an executor if you have decided on one. Two witnesses (not beneficiaries under the Will) should ideally be present at signing.
Nearest areas we cover
These are the areas closest to our counter. We serve all of south Bengaluru — see every area we cover.