08/07/2025
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π What is Succession?
Succession is the legal process used to transfer the property of a deceased person (like land) to their rightful heirs.
No one can legally sell or transfer land if succession is not done β even if they are family!
π 1οΈβ£ Obtain Death Certificate
βοΈ Get an Official Death Certificate for the deceased from the Civil Registrar (if not yet done).
This document is proof that the property owner has passed on.
π 2οΈβ£ Identify the Heirs
βοΈ List all beneficiaries: spouse(s), children, dependents β anyone entitled by law.
βοΈ Get their National IDs, birth certificates (for minors) and agree who will act as Administrator(s).
π 3οΈβ£ Decide Succession Type
There are two main types:
β
Testate Succession β if the deceased left a valid Will.
β
Intestate Succession β if there is no Will (most common).
π 4οΈβ£ File Succession Petition in Court
βοΈ Prepare & file:
Petition for Letters of Administration (Intestate) or
Petition for Probate (Testate).
βοΈ Attach:
-- Death Certificate
-- List of Assets (land parcels, shares, etc.)
-- List of Heirs
-- Affidavits by heirs confirming agreement.
π 5οΈβ£ Gazette Notice
βοΈ The court issues a Gazette Notice for 30 days to allow any objections from the public.
This ensures no hidden claimants.
π 6οΈβ£ Grant of Letters of Administration
βοΈ If no objections are filed, the court issues a Grant of Letters of Administration (or Grant of Probate if thereβs a Will).
βοΈ This gives the Administrator legal power to manage the estate.
π 7οΈβ£ Confirmation of Grant
βοΈ After 6 months, the Administrator applies for Confirmation of Grant β this specifies how land and property will be shared.
βοΈ Court approves the mode of distribution.
π 8οΈβ£ Transfer & Registration
βοΈ Use the Confirmed Grant to transfer the land at the Lands Office.
βοΈ Pay Stamp Duty if applicable.
βοΈ Each heir is registered and issued their Title Deed.