A Will is a legal declaration of the intention of a person (testator) with respect to his property or estate, which he desires to take effect after his death. A Will for the Indian properties should be made separately and should never be clubbed with the properties overseas. A foreign executed Will must qualify in India and meet the provisions of the local religious law.
There is no prescribed form of a Will. In order for it to be effective, it needs to be properly signed and attested. The Will must be initialed by the testator at the end of every page and next to any correction and alteration.
Language of a Will: A Will can be written in any language and no technical words need to be used in a Will; however the words used should be clear and unambiguous so that the intention of the testator is reflected in his Will. However the words used should be clear and unambiguous so that the intention of the testator is reflected in his Will.
Attestation: A Will must be attested by two witnesses who must witness the testator executing the Will. The witnesses should sign in the presence of each other and in the presence of the testator. The Will must be initialed by the testator at the end of every page and next to any correction and alteration.
Registration: The registration of a document provides evidence that the proper parties had appeared before the registering officers and the latter had attested the same after ascertaining their identity. In India, the registration of Wills is not compulsory even if it relates to immoveable property. The non-registration of a Will does not lead to any inference against the genuineness of a Will. In other words, registration therefore does not give any special sanctity to the Will though registration of the Will by the testator himself evidences the genuineness of the Will.
(It's advisable that a Will is made in India with two local witnesses so that if challenged they can be produced easily. Also, do note that all Wills are subject to challenge, it's just that a registered Will is a much stronger document to hold against any challenge ) A Will is to be registered with the registrar/sub-registrar with a nominal registration fee. The testator must be personally present at the registrar’s office along with witnesses.
Stamp Duty: No stamp duty is required to be paid for executing a Will or a codicil. A Will, therefore, need not be made on stamp paper.
So you can write a will in a piece of paper and if possible to be attested before Notary in USA .A Will must be attested by two witnesses who must witness the testator executing the Will. The witnesses should sign in the presence of each other and in the presence of the testator. Provisions of the foreign exchange laws prevalent in India must be kept in mind and it must be ascertained whether the person named as the executor can, under law, hold the property that is being dealt with under the Will in their name, until the same is distributed as per the Will.
Features of a Valid ‘Will’: in contain
- the testator's name and address
- Intention of the testator must be write in specific language (The intention of the executor has to be found out by reading the entire recitals in the document and the phraseology used therein.)
- He should be sound mind person memory and understanding
- The document must be signed at the end by the testator.
- The signature must be written or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses; both present at the same time and the witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator, but not necessarily in each other's presence.
- Write pacifically place where the testator made the will
- A revocation clause
- list of legacies (gifts of money or goods),
- list of devises (gifts of real property)
'Probate' means the copy of a Will certified under the seal of a court of competent jurisdiction with a grant of administration of the estate of the testator. A probate can be granted only to the executor appointed under the Will.
For seeking a Probate, the executor of the Will, as a Petitioner is required to file the petition (after making payment of applicable court fees depending upon the value of the assets) before the competent court through an advocate. Thereafter, the court usually asks the Petitioner to establish the proof of death of the testator, as well as proof that the Will has been validly executed by the testator, and that it is the last Will and testament of the deceased. After receiving the petition for a Probate, the court issues a notice to the next of kin of the deceased to file objections, if any, to the granting of the probate and it also directs the publication of a citation on board to notify the general public. If there is no objection, on the other hand, if the next of kin of the deceased files their respective consent to the grant of Probate, then court grants the Probate, however, if the next of kin of the deceased files their respective objections to the grant of Probate, then the Probate Petition becomes the testamentary suit, to enable parties to lead evidence in the matter.