Andhra Pradesh Legal Heir Certificate

An individual who succeeds a deceased person by either will or law is called the legal heir.  Legal heir certificate is an official document that states the relationship between the legal heir and the deceased. In this article, we look at the procedure and other aspects to obtain an Andhra Pradesh Legal Heir Certificate in detail. In Andhra Pradesh, legal heir certificate is also known as Family Member Certificate.

Legal Heirs of the Deceased

Earlier, the direct descendant of the deceased is considered the legal heir that excludes the parents, spouse, adopted children, and collateral relatives of the deceased. At present, besides the descendant, a legal heir can be any collateral relative provided that they are specifically mentioned in the will. The following persons are eligible to obtain legal heir certificate under Indian law:

• Spouse of the deceased
• Son of the deceased
• Daughter of the deceased
• Father of the deceased.
• Mother of the deceased

Functions of the Legal Heir Certificate

The legal heir certificate or family membership certificate would benefit the citizen in getting the pension, gratuity, insurance, provident fund compassionate benefit and all other Government benefits. Legal heir certificate would benefit the citizen in availing Apathbandhu Scheme, Chief Minister Relief fund, ex-gratia and other social security schemes of the Government. Besides the benefits, there are certain other responsibilities of the dead person required to be transferred to the legal heir such as filing ITR, transfer of patta, telephone/electricity connection etc. Descendant entries are essential for the legal heirs of a farmer if they want to deal with something related to the land in the query. It is also obligatory to enter the names of the heirs as landowners in the Records of Rights. However, the utility of the legal heir certificate is limited while transferring the property, transaction with financial institutions, or in any court litigation cases. In that case, the legal heir certificate is not valid, and succession certificate takes the role.

Legal heir Certificate vs Succession Certificate

Legal heir certificate and succession certificate are entirely different from each other. Legal Heir certificate recognizes the actual living heirs of the deceased person and is issued by the Tehsildar of the concerned district whereas the succession certificate is issued by the civil court to the identified legal heirs of the deceased person. Any person mentioned in the ‘Legal Heirs of the Deceased’ can apply for the certificate while only the legal heir can apply for the succession certificate. If the nominee is not selected or there is no valid will, legal heir certificate is not considered the final document to determine the legal heirs of the deceased person for the transfer of movable or immovable property whereas the succession certificate resolves to identify the rightful heir. To know more about Succession certificate, click here.

Elements of Legal Heir Certificate

Legal Heir Certificate specifies the name of the legal heir, the relationship of the heir with the deceased, age, and marital status of surviving family members.

Documents Required

The documents required to apply for the Andhra Pradesh Legal Heir Certificate are listed below. The mentioned documents must be attached with the application form when applying offline while online application requires scanned copies of the same.

• Proof of residence - Passport, Election Card
• A notarized affidavit was containing the name, age and relationship with the deceased.
• Document (Ration card/ Voter ID Card/ Passport/ Passbook, Aadhaar cards, etc.) indicating the relationship of the applicant with the deceased
• Death Certificate of the deceased person
• FIR in case of unnatural death
• Death Certificate of the deceased direct legal heir (if required)

Processing Time

The applicant has to approach the Tehsildar concerned and should make the application within the prescribed time. The stipulated time period for the processing of the application is 30 days from the date of application.

Service Fee

The user service charge for the issuance of the Andhra Pradesh legal heir certificate requires a fee of Rs. 35.

Validity

The validity of the certificate extends for the lifetime.

Application Procedure

Offline Application Process

The applicant has to visit the Concerned Tehsildar office in his / her respective district. The applicant can download the application form from the below copy. Once completing the form, the applicant should submit it along with the documents mentioned. On making necessary payment, the applicant will receive an acknowledgement receipt, which the applicant has to produce while collecting the certificate. The concerned Tehsildar, who is the competent authority for the processing of the application, will assign the subordinates for Field level enquiry. The Village Revenue Officer (VRO) will collect the documents from the Tehsildar for enquiry and will submit the Field Verification Report. Based on the Report, the Tehsildar will either approve or reject the request.

Online Application Process

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has facilitated its citizens, providing doorstep online services through the MeeSeva online portal. The applicant can apply online either from their respective places or by visiting the nearby MeeSeva centres where trained MeeSeva operators will assist in applying for the service. Step 1: To apply online for ‘Family member certificate’ or the legal heir certificate service, visit the official website of MeesSeva. Step 2: Click Meeseva online portal, which redirects to another page. [caption id="attachment_60264" align="aligncenter" width="627"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-Home-Page New User Registration Step 3: Click the New User Registration link, which displays the New User Registration window containing the registration form. [caption id="attachment_60266" align="aligncenter" width="797"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-User-Registration Step 4: Create a profile by entering the desired login credentials. Enter the personal information and contact information. Then click Submit. [caption id="attachment_60267" align="aligncenter" width="742"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-User-Registration-Form Step 5: After submission, a one-time password panel will be generated. The citizen receives the one time password to his/her registered mobile number. Step 6: Enter the one time password and click the confirm button. Step 7: After Confirmation, the applicant will receive a confirmation email to the mail ID. Click on the activation link to activate your account. Already Registered User Step 8: In case of an already registered user, enter the login credentials and click Sign in to enter into the portal. Step 9: Select ‘Family membership certificate’ link under the application process. [caption id="attachment_60269" align="aligncenter" width="642"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-Request Step 10: After the selection of the request, request details page will displays where the applicant has to furnish the following details.

• Applicant details
• Deceased details
• Family member details
• Address Details

[caption id="attachment_60270" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-Application-Form Step 11: Upload the scanned copies of the documents mentioned in the prescribed format. Step 12: Make the required payment and click submit.

Track Application Status

The applicant can track the status of the application by entering the transaction id or the application number and then by clicking Go. On approving the application, the applicant can download the certificate and print it for further use. [caption id="attachment_60271" align="aligncenter" width="529"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-Application-Status

Check Certificate

The applicant can verify the certificate for its authenticity by entering the application number and clicking Go. [caption id="attachment_60272" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Andhra-Pradesh-Legal-Heir-Certificate-Verify-Certificate

About the Author

MARLIN PRIYA J
Post By IndiaFilings.

Updated on: February 16th, 2024