Estate Planning

Many NRIs postpone estate planning assuming it is only meant for the ultra-rich or the elderly. In reality, every individual with assets, whether in India or overseas, needs a defined plan for succession and inheritance.

A large percentage of NRIs still do not have a formally drafted Will, leading to complications for families who are already coping with loss. Without a written estate plan, families are often forced into lengthy court procedures, disputes among heirs, delayed access to assets, and unnecessary legal expenses.

The complexity multiplies when:

  • Assets exist in multiple countries
  • Laws of India and the country of residence apply simultaneously
  • Bank accounts, investments, properties and businesses are spread across locations

That’s where FinPracto steps in… to simplify, structure and legally secure your legacy.

What Does Estate Planning REALLY Mean?

Estate planning is the process of organizing how your property, money and responsibilities will be handled and transferred in the future — during lifetime and after.

  • Your wealth goes to the right people
  • Taxes and legal hassles are minimized
  • Dependents (minors / elderly parents / special-needs children) are protected
  • Business ownership is transferred smoothly

Estate planning is not just about drafting a Will — it is about designing a full wealth-transfer strategy that works across countries and family situations.

How FinPracto Helps – NRI Estate Planning Services

We assist NRIs across the globe with drafting, restructuring and implementing estate planning documents, ensuring smooth inheritance and legal clarity across jurisdictions.

1. Comprehensive Document Drafting

We prepare a complete suite of estate planning documents tailored for NRIs, including:

  • Family Trust Deed / Private Trust
  • Will for individuals
  • Will for couples
  • Joint worldwide Will (for assets located in different jurisdictions)
  • Trusts for children with disabilities or minors
  • Succession letter / Guardianship letter
  • Shareholder / Partnership succession agreement
  • Family arrangement agreements

2. Court & Property Related Support

We guide NRIs through legal and property-related estate processes, including:

  • Probate assistance
  • Succession certificate applications
  • Letter of administration
  • Property title transfer guidance
  • Support for inheritance of jointly held or disputed assets

3. Advisory & Ongoing Support

Our advisory ensures your estate is protected and structured efficiently:

  • Strategy for tax-efficient transfer of assets
  • Cross-border inheritance planning for NRIs / OCI
  • Asset consolidation documentation
  • Confidential storage and periodic review of documents

4. Why NRIs Especially Need Estate Planning

NRIs face unique inheritance challenges, such as:

  • Dual inheritance laws
  • Joint ownership across countries
  • Restrictions on repatriation of inherited funds
  • Guardianship requirements for minor children abroad

A planned estate avoids:

  • Probate delays
  • Unexpected tax burdens
  • Family disputes
  • Frozen bank accounts or property access issues

5. Take the First Step Today

Whether you have one property or multiple assets across regions, a legally drafted estate plan guarantees peace of mind and reduces uncertainties for your family.

FAQs

Joint ownership alone does not guarantee smooth inheritance. Banks and authorities still require legal documents
such as a Will / probate / succession certificate before releasing assets.
A defined estate plan ensures faster and dispute-free transfer.

A Will works for most individuals, but a Trust is recommended if:

· There are assets in multiple countries
· There is a special-needs child or elderly dependent
· You want to avoid probate delays
· You want assets managed privately rather than publicly through courts

FinPracto assists in deciding the most suitable option.

Yes, it is possible through a global / joint Will, but depending on the country of residence, sometimes separate Wills
may be more effective. We guide NRIs on jurisdiction-wise best practices to avoid conflict of laws.

In the absence of a Will:

· Succession is governed by personal laws (Hindu Succession Act / Muslim law / Christian law etc.)
· Family members must apply for probate or succession certificate
· Delays, legal expenses and disputes often arise

A Will significantly simplifies the inheritance process.

Yes. A Will or trust deed can appoint a guardian and backup guardian to take care of minor children if something
happens to the parents. Without this clause, the court decides guardianship.

Experts recommend reviewing documents:

· Every 2–3 years
· After a major event (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, acquiring property, relocating to another country, etc.)

We offer periodic review assistance.

Usually:

· ID and address proof
· Asset details (properties, bank accounts, investments, insurances, businesses, etc.)
· Family details and desired beneficiaries

Once shared, we draft all legal documents accordingly.

No, the cost depends on complexity. For most NRIs, a properly drafted Will or Trust prevents legal expenses that are
far higher later (probate delays, litigation, frozen assets). It is a cost-saving decision in the long run.

Yes. All documents are handled confidentially, with secure storage options available if requested.
Nothing is disclosed to outsiders or beneficiaries without your permission.

Absolutely. We work with NRIs, PIOs and OCIs across countries and provide full digital consultation and drafting support,
regardless of location.