How to apply Succession Online: No.1 Guidance

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with legal and financial matters can add to the stress. One such matter is applying for succession, which ensures that the deceased’s assets are transferred to their legal heirs. While many people wonder how to apply succession online, the truth is that the process cannot be completed entirely online. However, you can hire a legal council to handle the process on your behalf. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for succession, including the role of a legal council, required documents, and how to get started.

What is Succession?

Before diving into how to apply succession online, it’s important to understand what succession means. Succession is the legal process of transferring the assets of a deceased person to their legal heirs. This process is governed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Pakistan, which issues a Succession Certificate to the legal heirs.

The succession process involves verifying the rightful heirs and ensuring that the deceased’s assets, such as bank accounts, property, and investments, are transferred to them.

For more information on succession laws, visit NADRA’s Official Website.

Can You Apply for Succession Online?

The short answer is no—applying for succession entirely online is not possible. However, you can hire a legal council to handle the process on your behalf. A legal council is a registered lawyer who can file the succession case with NADRA and manage the entire process for you.

This is a unique approach that many platforms don’t discuss, but it can save you time and effort, especially if you’re unable to visit NADRA offices in person.

Role of a Legal Council in Succession

A legal council plays a crucial role in the succession process. Here’s what they can do for you:

1. File the Succession Case: The legal council will submit the required documents and application to NADRA on your behalf.
2. Coordinate with Legal Heirs: They will ensure that all legal heirs complete their biometric verification and provide the necessary documents.
3. Handle Communication with NADRA: The legal council will follow up with NADRA to ensure the process is completed smoothly.
4. Collect the Succession Certificate: Once the process is complete, the legal council will collect the Succession Certificate on your behalf.

For more details on the role of a legal council, visit Pakistan Bar Council.

Documents Required for Succession

To apply for succession through a legal council, you’ll need the following documents:

1. Legal Council’s Bar Council Registered Card: Proof that the legal council is registered with the Pakistan Bar Council.
2. Legal Council’s Original CNIC: A copy of the legal council’s CNIC.
3. Authority Letter from Primary Applicant: A letter authorizing the legal council to act on behalf of the primary applicant.
4. Authority Letter to Primary Applicant from All Legal Heirs: A letter from all legal heirs authorizing the primary applicant to act on their behalf.
5. Vakalatnama: A legal document authorizing the legal council to represent you in the succession process.
6. All Legal Heirs’ NIC Copies: Copies of the CNICs of all legal heirs.
7. Death Certificate (Original): Proof of the death of the account holder.
8. Cancellation Certificate (Original): A certificate confirming the cancellation of the deceased’s CNIC.
9. Family Registration Certificate (FRC): This document verifies the family tree and legal heirs.
10. Affidavit on Rs. 200 Stamp Paper or E-Stamp: An affidavit authorizing the legal council to act on your behalf.
11. Original Asset Documents: Depending on the type of asset, you’ll need the following:
    • Bank Account: Bank statement, maintenance certificate, or balance certificate.
    • Saving Certificate: Bank statement and original certificates.
    • Term Deposit Receipt (TDR): Original certificate and bank statement.
    • Shares:
      • Physical Shares: Statement from the concerned registrar (e.g., CDC, THK, or FAMCO).
      • Non-Physical Shares: Statement only.
    • Premium Prize Bonds: Statement and original prize bonds.
    • Vehicle: Registration card or book.

For a detailed list of required documents, check out NADRA’s Succession Certificate Page.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Succession Online Through a Legal Council

While you cannot apply for succession entirely online, hiring a legal council can simplify the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Hire a Legal Council

The first step is to hire a registered legal council to handle the succession process on your behalf. You can find a legal council through referrals, legal directories, or by contacting us through the Get a Service page on this website. Our team will connect you with a qualified legal council and provide further assistance.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Work with your legal council to gather all the required documents, including:

• Legal council’s Bar Council registered card and CNIC.
• Authority letters from the primary applicant and all legal heirs.
• Vakalatnama.
• CNIC copies of all legal heirs.
• Death certificate and cancellation certificate of the deceased.
• FRC and affidavit.
• Original asset documents (e.g., bank statements, certificates, share statements).

Step 3: Submit Documents to NADRA

Your legal council will submit the documents and application to the nearest NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit (SFU) office. They will also coordinate with NADRA to ensure the application is processed smoothly.

Step 4: Biometric Verification of Legal Heirs

All legal heirs must complete biometric verification within 20 days. Here’s how to complete this step:

• Local Heirs: Visit the nearest NADRA office to complete biometric verification.
• Out-of-City Heirs: Visit the nearest NADRA office in their respective cities.
• Out-of-Country Heirs: Use the Pak-ID app to complete biometric verification online.

If biometric verification fails (e.g., due to mismatched fingerprints), the legal heir can request a video call verification. To schedule a video call, the legal council must contact the NADRA office in charge.

For more details on biometric verification, visit NADRA Biometric Services.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Once all legal heirs have completed biometric verification, the succession process will take approximately 20 days to complete. During this time, NADRA will verify the documents and family tree.

Step 6: Collect the Succession Certificate

After the 20-day processing period, your legal council will collect the Succession Certificate from the NADRA office on your behalf. This certificate legally authorizes the legal heirs to access and transfer the deceased’s assets.

Why Hire a Legal Council?

Hiring a legal council offers several advantages:

1. Saves Time and Effort: The legal council handles the entire process, saving you from multiple visits to NADRA offices.
2. Expert Guidance: A legal council ensures that all documents are complete and accurate, reducing the risk of delays.
3. Convenience: If you’re unable to visit NADRA offices in person, a legal council can act on your behalf.

For more reasons to hire a legal council, visit Pakistan Bar Council.

How to Find a Legal Council

If you need a legal council to handle your succession case, you can contact us through the Get a Service page on this website. Our team will connect you with a qualified legal council and provide further assistance.

Final Thoughts: How to Apply Succession Online

While applying for succession entirely online is not possible, hiring a legal council can simplify the process and save you time and effort. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and efficient succession process.

Remember, the key to a successful succession application is preparation and coordination. Gather all required documents, ensure all legal heirs are linked, and complete biometric verification on time. With the help of a legal council, you can navigate the process with confidence and ease.

Relevant Outbound Links:

1. NADRA’s Official Website
2. NADRA Succession Certificate Page
3. Pakistan Bar Council
4. NADRA Biometric Services

By understanding how to apply succession online with the help of a legal council, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process during a difficult time.