Your personal and family paperwork, sorted

When you decide who inherits. A will lets you direct how your assets pass and appoint an executor. It must be in writing and attested by two witnesses; it does not require registration, but registering it adds a layer of authenticity.

When you must declare a fact on oath. An affidavit is a sworn statement used for proof of address, date of birth, a gap in employment, a lost document and countless official purposes, signed before a notary or oath commissioner.

When someone must act for you. A power of attorney authorises a trusted person to handle banking, property or specific transactions on your behalf, within the scope you define.

When you give something away. A gift deed records a transfer made without consideration. For immovable property the gift deed must be in writing, attested and registered to be valid.

• Wills: with executor, bequests and the two-witness attestation that the law requires.
• Affidavits: for address, date of birth, name, employment gaps, lost documents and official declarations.
• Powers of attorney: general and specific, for banking, property and representation.
• Gift deeds: for movable and immovable property, with the registration terms for immovables.
• Name-change documents: affidavit and supporting formats for the gazette and official records.

Wills are governed by the Indian Succession Act 1925 (and personal laws such as the Hindu Succession Act 1956 for intestate succession). A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses who saw the testator sign. Registration is optional but useful. There is no stamp duty on a will.

Gifts are governed by the Transfer of Property Act 1882. A gift of immovable property is valid only if it is made by a registered instrument attested by two witnesses (Section 123); a gift of movable property can be made by delivery. Stamp duty on a gift deed varies by State, sometimes with concessions for gifts within the family.

Affidavits and powers of attorney turn on execution. An affidavit must be sworn before a notary or oath commissioner to carry weight. A power of attorney should be clear about its scope, can usually be revoked, and -- where it concerns immovable property -- often needs to be notarised or registered to be accepted. A name change is typically completed by an affidavit followed by publication in the official gazette.

• Drafted for the Indian Succession Act 1925, the Transfer of Property Act 1882 and related personal laws.
• Updated for current registration and notarisation practice.
• Reviewed by legal professionals, with the attestation and form requirements built in.
• Ready to use as PDF and Word, so you can sign, notarise or register without delay.
• Practical structure: guided fields for parties, assets, witnesses and scope.