Answer Book question
No. A nominee is the person the institution pays; a legal heir is the person who ultimately owns the money under the will or succession law. For most bank accounts and mutual funds, the nominee receives as trustee for the heirs. For life insurance, rules give certain nominees (spouse, children, parents) beneficial ownership. This is why a will still matters even with nominees.
No. A nominee is the person the institution pays; a legal heir is the person who ultimately owns the money under the will or succession law. For most bank accounts and mutual funds, the nominee receives as trustee for the heirs. For life insurance, rules give certain nominees (spouse, children, parents) beneficial ownership. This is why a will still matters even with nominees.
A father names his eldest son nominee on all accounts "for convenience." He dies without a will. The other children are legal heirs and entitled to shares; the son must account to them. Family conflict follows.
Nomination is an administrative mechanism; succession is legal ownership. They coincide only when the nominee is also the sole heir, or when the will says so.
Who the nominees are Who the legal heirs are under the applicable succession law Whether a will exists and what it says
Believing nomination settles the matter.
Succession law differs by religion in India; Kerala families span several. Know which applies.
Nominee receives ₹10 lakh; three heirs each entitled to ₹3.33 lakh absent a will.
None.
Understand both Make a will
What if there is no nominee? How can I make my own finances easier for my children to find?
Family support · Documents
RBI guidance on deceased depositors' claims and UDGAM portal · SEBI/AMFI transmission procedures · IRDAI claim guidelines · Kerala Registration and Revenue Department procedures for legal heirship · Indian Succession Act / Hindu Succession Act as applicable Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Start with a Family Asset Inventory. Send us what you know so far. even a name and a bank. and we will help you work through every place worth checking. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Family › After a death · After a death 12
This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.