Visual Statutory Guide & SummaryWillDrafting.in Legal Infographic
Frequently Asked Statutory Questions
Is a Will drafted through an online platform legally valid in India?
Yes, an online-drafted Will is completely valid under Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. Indian law does not mandate that a Will must be written by an offline lawyer or typed on green stamp paper. As long as you print the draft, sign it with a sound mind, and have two adult witnesses sign in your physical presence, Indian banks and courts accept it fully.
Can I sign my Will electronically using Aadhaar e-Sign or DigiLocker?
No, you cannot execute a Will electronically in India. Under the First Schedule of the Information Technology Act, 2000, Wills and estate transfers are strictly excluded from digital signatures. You can draft and review your Will online, but you must download the document, print it onto physical paper, and sign it by hand with an ink pen before two independent witnesses.
Does an online Will need to be registered at the Sub-Registrar office?
Registration is completely optional under Section 18 of the Registration Act, 1908. An unregistered Will signed on plain A4 white paper carries full legal validity across all Indian courts and banks. However, registering your Will at the local Sub-Registrar adds strong government proof of identity and date, making it very difficult for unhappy relatives to challenge your document later.
What happens if a bank nominee differs from the beneficiary in my Will?
Under established Supreme Court of India rulings, your valid Will strictly overrides any bank account nomination. A bank nominee is merely a temporary financial trustee who collects funds on behalf of your estate. The nominee holds those funds in trust and must hand them over to the rightful beneficiaries named in your Will. A clear Will prevents bitter family disputes.
Why must my family members or beneficiaries never sign as witnesses?
Under Section 67 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, any person who inherits property under a Will, or that person's spouse, must never sign as an attesting witness. If a beneficiary signs as a witness, the Will remains valid, but their entire gift or inheritance becomes completely void under Indian law. Always choose neutral witnesses like neighbours, doctors, or friends.
Can Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) make an online Will for Indian properties?
Yes, NRIs can easily draft an Indian Will online for properties situated across India. You can list your Indian residential flats, NRE and NRO bank accounts, and Demat shares from your home abroad. Once our succession advocates review and finalize your document, you simply print it, sign it before two adult witnesses, and store it safely without traveling to India.
How much do online Will drafting services cost compared to offline lawyers?
Traditional chamber lawyers in India typically charge between Rs 15,000 and over Rs 1,00,000 for estate planning, often adding unpredictable consultation and revision fees. In contrast, modern online platforms offer fixed-fee packages starting from Rs 2,490. You get complete price transparency, guided digital asset mapping, and direct advocate review without hidden hourly billings or surprise retainers.
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.