Vasiyat वसीयत ਵਸੀਅਤ
A Vasiyat is a will: a written statement of who gets what you own after you die, who collects and distributes it (the executor) and who looks after any minor children. Anyone aged eighteen or over and of sound mind can make one.
Also written as
- Vasiyatnama
- Wasiyat
- Wasiyatnama
- Will
- Last Will and Testament
- वसीयत
- वसीयतनामा
- ਵਸੀਅਤ
- ਵਸੀਅਤਨਾਮਾ
What it's used for
- To say in writing, while you can still explain your own reasons, who is entitled to what, and to name an executor and a guardian. It heads off the arguments that start the moment somebody dies without one.
- A will can cover a house or plot, land entered in the jamabandi, a Chandigarh Estate Office or Housing Board property, bank accounts, shares, jewellery and vehicles.
- After a death, a property held from the Chandigarh Estate Office, the Chandigarh Housing Board or GMADA is transferred on the strength of the will, using that authority's own forms.
Which document you need
Pick the one that matches what you are doing.
Documents in the library
- Will (Vasiyat)Says who inherits your property and who looks after your affairs after death.
- Mutual Will by SpousesCoordinated wills for a couple, setting out what happens after each death.
- Codicil to a WillMakes a small, specific change to an existing will without rewriting it.
- Revocation of a WillFormally cancels an earlier will, with or without replacing it right away.
- Witness Attestation Declaration for a WillA witness's later written account of what they saw when the will was signed.
- Application to Register a WillRegisters a will with the Sub-Registrar, which is optional.
Kits that cover it
Official forms to download
- Transfer of ownership / lease rights on a registered Will (including a Will registered under Section 40)
- Transfer of ownership / lease rights on an unregistered Will
- Application for transfer of property on the basis of a registered will (CHB)
- Application for transfer of a property on the basis of a registered or unregistered will (GMADA)
Questions about Vasiyat
Does a Vasiyat have to be registered?
No. Registering a will is optional, and an unregistered will that is properly signed and attested by two witnesses is completely valid. Registration only adds proof that this exact document existed on the date it was registered.
Who can witness a Vasiyat?
Two attesting witnesses, neither of whom (nor their spouse) is a beneficiary. A gift to a witness or a witness's spouse is void, although the rest of the will stays valid.
Can I change a Vasiyat later?
Yes. A small change, such as adding or altering one gift, goes in a codicil. To cancel a will altogether, a revocation of will is used. The library has both.
Related words
This page explains the word in plain language for Punjab and Chandigarh. It is not legal advice. Fees, offices and time limits can change, so check with the office or an advocate before you act.