What a succession certificate does
A succession certificate is issued by a competent civil court to a person claiming debts and securities of a deceased person. It authorises the holder to collect or deal with specified assets, such as shares and dividends.
Companies, RTAs and the IEPF Authority may accept a succession certificate as proof of entitlement. Under SEBI's July 2026 transmission framework, producing court-issued documents such as a succession certificate removes the need for the notarised indemnity and, in the case of the affidavit-cum-NOC, for non-claimant heirs' affidavits.
What this service involves
Assessing whether you need it
Based on holding value, nomination, availability of a will and the category of claim.
Organising facts and documents
Details of the deceased, heirs, assets and debts for your advocate.
Using the certificate
Presenting it to the RTA, company or IEPF Authority.
Who may need this service
Claimants above the simplified threshold
With no will and no nomination.
Families who want a court-backed document
To avoid separate heir consents.
Common problems we see
Court timelines
Vary by court and case.
Heirs who cannot be found
Or who object.
How the process generally works
The exact steps depend on the company, the type of holding and the facts of your case. This is a general outline.
- 1
Check the alternatives
Whether simplified documentation or another category applies.
- 2
Engage an advocate if needed
The petition is a court proceeding.
- 3
Prepare facts and documents
Death certificate, family details, asset list.
- 4
Obtain the certificate
Through the court process.
- 5
Use it with the RTA/company/IEPFA
As proof of entitlement.
How IEPF Assist can help
- Explaining where a succession certificate fits
- Organising documents and facts for your advocate
- Presenting the order to the company or RTA
We are an independent consultancy. We help you prepare, organise and follow up — the decision on your request always rests with the company, the Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), the depository or the relevant authority.
Expected stages and possible delays
We cannot promise a completion date, because processing depends on third parties. Common reasons for delay include:
- Court scheduling
- Notice and objections
- Heir disputes
Frequently asked questions
Is a succession certificate required for small holdings?
Do you file the court petition?
Related services
Probate / Letter of Administration Support
Help understanding probate and letters of administration and organising documents where a will exists or administration is needed.
Read moreLegal Heir Share Claims
Help for legal heirs claiming shares and dividends of a deceased shareholder — from tracing to transmission or IEPF claims.
Read moreShare Transmission
Help transferring shares to nominees, joint holders or legal heirs after a shareholder's death, under SEBI's July 2026 framework.
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Discuss your case with us
Tell us what you know about the shares or documents. We will explain the likely route and what to keep ready.
Request ConsultationLast updated 18 Oct 2026. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.