No, probate is not necessary for all wills in India. Whether probate is required depends on several factors such as the type of property involved, the jurisdiction, and the institutions managing the deceased’s assets. When Is Probate Required? 1. Probate is generally required when: The deceased owned immovable property (like land or buildings). Certain banks or financial institutions require probate to release funds or transfer assets. There is a possibility of dispute or challenge to the will’s validity. 2. Probate is more common in: Courts of High Courts or District Courts for wills involving immovable property. Cases where the will is contested or its authenticity is questioned. When Is Probate Not Required? For movable property such as bank accounts, shares, or personal belongings, probate is often not mandatory. Many banks or institutions accept a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or a letter from the legal heirs along with the will for transferring assets. If the value of the estate is small or uncontested, probate may be avoided to save time and expenses. Some states have different rules and procedures regarding probate. Why Probate? Probate provides legal validation of the will and protects the executor from future claims. It confirms that the will is genuine and the executor has authority to distribute assets as per the will. Summary Probate is not mandatory for every will, especially when the estate involves only movable property or is uncontested. It is mostly necessary when immovable property is involved or for added legal security. Executors can choose whether to apply for probate based on the nature of assets and institutional requirements.

Dear Client, No, probate is not necessary for every will. Probate is the legal process involving the court's supervision of verification that the will is in valid form and appointing the executor to manage the estate of the deceased. To obtain probate of the will, under Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, the will must have been made by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs or Jains, and subject matter of the will must be in relation to property located in the Presidency towns of Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. Outside of the towns listed above, and in the case of persons of other religions, probate is not required, but a probate of the will is advisable as it shortens the likelihood of litigation, and subject matter can be transferred to the appropriate beneficiaries in an orderly fashion. I hope this answer helps. For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.