Legal Heir Certificate & Succession Certificate Difference?

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Last Updated on January 5, 2026 by Satish Mishra

Legal heir certificate is a certificate issued by the concerned local authority like District Collector, Additional district magistrate or any local authority who have jurisdiction in the local area authorised by the State or Central Government stating that the person is a legal heir of the deceased person.The person who wants to get a certificate issued should be in a close relation with the deceased person.

Also Read- SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE AND HOW TO GET IT?

This certificate is not issued through a judicial court. This certificate is issued only for the purpose of transfer of property, claiming of gratuity, insurance, pension and provident fund. This certificate is not a conclusive proof of the ownership and neither does it gives entitlement of complete property of the deceased to the person issuing legal heir certificate.

Also Read- LEGAL HEIR CERTIFICATE IN CHANDIGARH

To issue this certificate following documents have to be submitted to the Tehsildar such as Identity card, Original Death certificate of the deceased person, Affidavit stating the relationship between the person and the deceased and on such submission the tehsildaar conducts an inquiry and investigation. Then a publication regarding the same is made in newspaper so that any person having an objection can raise it within 45 days and if no objection is raised then the certificate is issued which is Valid. The fees for the legal heir certificate is Rs 2 for the stamp and rs 20 for the affidavit. The issued legal heir certificate is revocable if any objection is there.

Also Read- HOW TO PROBATE A WILL IN CHANDIGARH PANCHKULA MOHALI

 

The Succession certificate is a certificate granted by Court of Law in India to only the legal heirs of the deceased person who dies without leaving behind a will. It is a proper certificate granted only by the judicial courts for taking responisibility and liability of the debts and securities of the deceased person. It only gives authority to claim debts and securities or payment of debts and securities of the deceased person.

Also Read- PROPERTY TRANSFER IN CHANDIGARH PANCHKULA MOHALI ZIRAKPUR

The Succession certificate is issued under the provisions of Indian Succession Act, 1925 and the legal heirs can claim assets of the deceased person also. To issue this certificate the applicant has to file an application in the District court in whose local jurisdiction the deceased person voluntarily lived or resided or where the immovable proeprty of the deceased person is situated. After making of the application a publication is made in a newspaper so that any person can raise an objection within 45 days and then the certificate is granted to the applicant if no objection is raised.

Also Read- 25 THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WILL REGISTRATION

 

The fees to be paid is equivalent to 3% of the total value of the property.It is a conclusive proof of ownership and it is also considered as a legitimate evidence until a Will is not made. To issue this certificate the beneficiary has to submit a death certificate of the deceased, Identity card. A succession certificate is issued by the way of inheritance under a succession.

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Responses from AI.

In Panchkula, a succession certificate is a legal document issued by the Civil Court under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, primarily used to claim movable assets like bank deposits, fixed deposits, and securities of a deceased person who did not leave a will. 
Application Process in Panchkula
The process must be initiated in the court of the Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division) or the District Judge in Panchkula, depending on where the deceased ordinarily resided. 
  1. Filing the Petition: A legal heir must file a petition (under Section 372 of the Act) at the Panchkula District Court.
  2. Court Notice: Once the petition is admitted, the court issues a public notice (often published in local newspapers like Dainik Chetna or Daily Aashiana) to invite objections from the general public.
  3. Observation Period: A mandatory waiting period (typically 45 days) is given for anyone to file objections.
  4. Evidence & Hearing: If no objections are raised, the court verifies the death certificate, list of heirs, and details of the assets.
  5. Issuance: Upon satisfaction, the court grants the certificate. You may be required to sign an indemnity bond.
Key Requirements & Fees
  • Documents Needed: Original death certificate, identity and address proofs of all legal heirs, and full details of the debts/securities (e.g., bank account numbers, FDR details).
  • Court Fee: In Haryana, the fee is generally a percentage (often around 3%) of the total value of the assets being claimed, paid via judicial stamp papers.
  • Timeline: The entire procedure usually takes 5 to 7 months, though it can take up to a year if there are disputes. 
Court Resources & Legal Aid
  • Case Status: You can track the status of succession petitions filed in Panchkula through the e-Courts Services portal using the CNR number.
  • Legal Assistance: Because this is a judicial process involving specific drafting, it is recommended to consult a lawyer practicing at the Panchkula District Court.
  • General Services: For related documents like Birth or Death certificates, you can visit the official District Administration Panchkula website.
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