Visual Statutory Guide & SummaryWillDrafting.in Legal Infographic
Frequently Asked Statutory Questions
What is the real cost of making a legally valid Will in India in 2026?
In 2026, making a Will at home on plain white A4 paper costs Rs 0 in government stamp duty. If you use a guided online Will drafting service in India, fixed plans start at Rs 2,490, while a full lawyer-verified online Will costs Rs 4,990 compared to Rs 15,000 to Rs 45,000 at traditional offline law offices.
Is stamp paper required for a Will in India?
No. Under Schedule I of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, Wills are completely exempt from stamp duty across all Indian states. A Will typed or handwritten on plain white A4 paper and signed by you in front of two adult witnesses is 100% legally valid.
Is an online Will legally valid in Indian courts and banks?
Yes. An online Will is prepared digitally in strict compliance with Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. Once you print the PDF on plain white paper, sign it physically, and have two independent adult witnesses sign in your presence, banks, housing societies, and courts treat it identically to an offline lawyer's Will.
How much does it cost to register a Will at the Sub-Registrar office?
Will registration is optional under Section 18(e) of the Registration Act, 1908. If you choose to register your Will, government Sub-Registrar fees are nominal (usually Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 depending on the state), though local agents or lawyers may charge Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 for appointment assistance.
Why should I pay Rs 4,990 for lawyer review instead of using a free Word template?
Free internet templates frequently miss critical Indian legal requirements such as a Residuary Clause (for future assets), an Alternate Executor, CDSL and NSDL Demat account identifiers, and witness eligibility warnings. A single drafting mistake can force your family to spend 18 months and 3% to 7% of the estate value in court for a Succession Certificate.
Do husband and wife need one joint Will or two separate Wills?
In India, Courts strongly discourage a single Joint Will because the surviving spouse often cannot update it after the first spouse passes away. Instead, couples should make two separate Mirror Wills so each spouse independently protects their own share of joint flats, bank accounts, and jewellery.
How much do NRI Will drafting services cost for Indian property?
While boutique offline NRI law firms charge Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000, WillDrafting.in's Senior Advocate NRI Plan costs a flat Rs 9,990. It includes separate Indian jurisdiction wording (so your US, UK, or UAE Will is never revoked), FEMA repatriation compliance, and remote abroad signing instructions.
Notice: This legal guide is published for educational and estate planning awareness under the Indian Succession Act, 1925. For customized estate planning, consult an advocate on WillDrafting.in.