If multiple legal heirs apply for a certificate, such as a legal heir certificate or succession certificate, the following steps generally occur under Indian law: 1. Application Process: All legal heirs can jointly apply for the certificate, or one heir can apply on behalf of others with their consent. In case of disagreement among the heirs, the court will be required to intervene. 2. Verification of Heirs: The authorities (usually a revenue officer, or in some cases, the court) will verify the relationship of each applicant to the deceased person. This might involve providing documents such as the death certificate, family tree, and proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates). 3. Dispute Resolution: If there is a dispute among the legal heirs regarding who should be entitled to the certificate, the matter may need to be resolved in court. The court will determine the rightful heirs based on the succession laws applicable (e.g., Hindu Succession Act, Muslim Personal Law, etc.). 4. Issuance of Certificate: Once the application is verified and there is no dispute (or the dispute is resolved), the certificate will be issued either jointly or individually, depending on the application. If issued jointly, all the legal heirs are recognized in the certificate. 5. Court Intervention: If heirs do not agree on the distribution or succession, they may be required to approach the civil court for a declaration of their rights before the certificate is granted. In short, multiple legal heirs can apply together, but if there's any conflict, it may need to be addressed through legal proceedings.

Dear Client, With a succession certificate (covered by the Indian Succession Act, 1925), heirs are authorized to break up and get access to movable property belonging to someone who died intestate. Because many people can claim an inheritance, it is important for courts to explain the rules and avoid possible conflicts. Sections 372 and 373 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. Section 372: Lays out the procedure for making an application. Under 373(4), courts have the power to award certificates together to various applicants who appear to have a prima facie case, according to their respective interests. Joint Application A succession certificate can be applied for by several legal heirs together. By working together in this way, everyone who should receive something is treated equally and the responsibilities of distributing assets are made easier. After verifying the claims, the court can give a single certificate to everyone who applied. Separate Applications If the legal heirs make separate claims, the court will merge them to discover who is the rightful owner i.e. the court will consolidate the multiple applications. Ensuring one certificate per asset and avoiding accidental conflicts is the main duty of the court. Basically, if more than one person seeks a succession certificate, they should make a joint application. Together, all individuals with rights to the property are found, shortening the time needed for legal work. Naming different applications for property can cause delays and likely disputes, because the court must decide who is truly entitled to the property. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries please feel free to contact us. Thank you.

Dear Client, With a succession certificate (covered by the Indian Succession Act, 1925), heirs are authorized to break up and get access to movable property belonging to someone who died intestate. Because many people can claim an inheritance, it is important for courts to explain the rules and avoid possible conflicts. Sections 372 and 373 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. Section 372: Lays out the procedure for making an application. Under 373(4), courts have the power to award certificates together to various applicants who appear to have a prima facie case, according to their respective interests. Joint Application A succession certificate can be applied for by several legal heirs together. By working together in this way, everyone who should receive something is treated equally and the responsibilities of distributing assets are made easier. After verifying the claims, the court can give a single certificate to everyone who applied. Separate Applications If the legal heirs make separate claims, the court will merge them to discover who is the rightful owner i.e. the court will consolidate the multiple applications. Ensuring one certificate per asset and avoiding accidental conflicts is the main duty of the court. Basically, if more than one person seeks a succession certificate, they should make a joint application. Together, all individuals with rights to the property are found, shortening the time needed for legal work. Naming different applications for property can cause delays and likely disputes, because the court must decide who is truly entitled to the property. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries please feel free to contact us. Thank you.