How to obtain a Legal Heir Certificate in Daman and Diu

Introduction: ‍Losing a family member is a challenging time, and dealing with the legal aspects of their assets can add to the complexity. In the absence of a will or testament, obtaining a legal heir certificate becomes crucial to establish the rightful successors and facilitate the transfer of assets. In the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, the process for obtaining a legal heir certificate is relatively straightforward. This blog aims to guide you through the steps involved, the documents required, and the estimated time for acquiring this essential document.

Need for a Legal Heir Certificate: ‍A legal heir certificate, also known as a waris certificate or varisu certificate, serves as evidence of the relationship between the deceased and their legal heirs. It is necessary for various purposes, including:

• Transferring properties and assets of the deceased to the rightful successors.
• Claiming insurance benefits.
• Facilitating the process of pension for deceased workers.
• Receiving dues such as gratuity from the government.
• Obtaining earnings arrears owed to the deceased.
• Availing employment support for compassionate appointments.

Documents Required for Legal Heir Certificate: ‍To initiate the application process for a legal heir certificate in Daman and Diu, gather the following documents:

• Court fee of INR 1.25/-
• Self-undertaking or legal heir testimony.
• Letter from the government department of the deceased employee.
• Identity proof of the applicant.
• Residence proofs of all legal heirs.
• Date of birth proofs of all legal heirs.
• Original death certificate of the deceased worker.
• Original death certificate of the deceased direct legal heir (if required).

Steps to Obtain a Legal Heir Certificate: Step 1: Approach the Taluka Office or District Court: ‍Visit the Tehsildar/Taluka office or the district court in Daman and Diu. These are the authorized government entities responsible for issuing legal heir certificates. ‍Step 2: Obtain the Application Form: ‍Request the application form from the authorized personnel at the office. The form will require personal details of the applicant, such as address, contact number, and identification. Additionally, details about the deceased person, including their address, relation, and identification, must be provided. Attach a mandatory undertaking with the application. ‍Step 3: Attach Documents: ‍After filling in the necessary information in the form, attach the required documents. Ensure you pay the court fee, include the undertaking, and provide ID proofs, residential proofs, date of birth proofs of all legal heirs, and the original death certificate of the deceased. ‍Step 4: Submission: ‍Affix a stamp worth two rupees to the application. Once the stamp is attached, the application is ready for submission. Submit the application for verification at the concerned government office. ‍Step 5: Verification & Issuance of Certificate: ‍The application form will be forwarded to the village officer and revenue inspector for verification. Upon completion of the verification process, the legal heir certificate will be issued by the appropriate authority. This certificate will mention all the legal heirs of the deceased. If there is a delay in the issuance, you can approach the Revenue Division Officer (RDO) or sub-collector for assistance.

‍Estimated Time Required: ‍In Daman and Diu, the process of obtaining a legal heir certificate typically takes around 30 days. However, depending on specific circumstances, there may be variations in the timeline. If you encounter any delays or complications, contacting the relevant authorities for guidance is recommended.