How Are Inherited Properties Divided In Case Of Joint Ownership?

In the case of inherited properties held in joint ownership, the division process depends on several legal factors, including the type of co-ownership and the applicable laws governing inheritance. Here's how such properties are typically divided:

Key Points of Division in Joint Ownership:

Nature of Joint Ownership:

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenancy in Common:

If the property is inherited under a joint tenancy, all co-owners have an equal right to the whole property, and upon the death of one joint owner, their share automatically passes to the surviving co-owners. In contrast, in a tenancy in common, each co-owner holds a distinct share in the property, which can be passed on to their heirs after death.

Rights of Legal Heirs:

The distribution of inherited property among joint owners is determined by the law of succession.

Under Hindu law (Hindu Succession Act, 1956): If the inherited property is under the Hindu personal law, the legal heirs (e.g., spouse, children, and sometimes parents) are entitled to a share of the deceased's property. The deceased’s share in the joint property would pass to the heirs and may be distributed based on Hindu inheritance laws.

Under Muslim law (Muslim Personal Law): Muslim heirs are also entitled to a share according to the principles of Islamic succession, with specific rules for how property is distributed among the surviving spouse, children, and other family members.

Under Indian Succession Act (for Christians and others): Property of a deceased individual is divided among the heirs according to the provisions set out in the Indian Succession Act, with the property passing to the legal heirs.

Partition of Property:

Physical or Legal Partition: If the co-owners (or heirs) wish to divide the property, they may proceed with a physical partition (if the property is divisible) or a legal partition through a partition suit in a court of law.

Consent of All Joint Owners: If all joint owners agree, they can divide the property amicably by mutual consent. This may involve selling the property and dividing the proceeds or dividing the property physically if it is feasible.

Court-Ordered Partition: If there is a dispute between the joint owners or heirs regarding the division, a formal partition suit can be filed in the court. The court will decide how to divide the property based on the rights of each co-owner and the law applicable to the inheritance.

Equal vs. Unequal Division:

In many cases, if the property is divided between multiple heirs, the division may not always be equal if the deceased's will specifies otherwise. For example, under the Hindu Succession Act, a daughter has the same rights as a son to inherit the father’s ancestral property.

If there is no will, the property is divided equally among the legal heirs based on their relationship to the deceased.

Example:

Suppose a father dies leaving behind a house co-owned with his two sons. The father’s share in the property would pass to his legal heirs (e.g., his wife, children, etc.). If there’s no will, the property would be divided equally among the legal heirs under the Hindu Succession Act. The sons, as joint owners, may then decide to either partition the property physically or sell it and divide the proceeds.

Conclusion:

Inherited properties in joint ownership are divided based on the type of co-ownership, applicable inheritance laws, and whether a will or legal succession is involved. In the absence of disputes, joint owners or heirs may mutually agree on the division, but disputes often require legal intervention to settle the matter through a partition suit.