Ever heard stories of people finding out that their parents or grandparents owned old shares worth lakhs, or even crores today? Sounds like a dream, right? But for every lucky discovery like that, there are dozens of families stuck in legal chaos because no one knew those investments even existed.
Let’s say your parents bought a few company shares decades ago, just a small investment, nothing fancy. Years later, those same shares are now worth lakhs. But when they pass away, no one in the family knows about them. There’s no mention in their will, no clear record. What follows? Endless paperwork, legal disputes, and heartbreak.
Sounds far-fetched? Sadly, it’s one of the most common inheritance nightmares in India today. For many families, the problem isn’t lack of wealth, it’s lack of clarity and planning around securities in will.
That’s why it’s not just about owning shares or mutual funds; it’s about planning what happens to them after you’re gone. Adding your securities to your will isn’t just a legal formality; it’s one of the smartest ways to protect your family from confusion, conflict, and costly court cases.
Let’s take a look at Abhey Kumar Oswal’s story, a well-known businessman. Oswal held over 53 lakh shares in Oswal Agro Mills. Before he passed away, he named his wife as the nominee for those shares, simple right? His wife should inherit them.
Not quite.
After his death, his son stepped in, claiming a share as a legal heir. The result? The shares were frozen, court cases followed, and the family spent years in a legal tug-of-war.The Supreme Court of India finally ruled that a nominee is only a caretaker, not the owner. The actual ownership depends on the will and Indian succession laws.
Imagine the emotional and financial toll. A huge fortune stuck in court, relationships strained, and a legacy that could’ve been easily protected, with just a few clear lines in a will.
The takeaway:
A nomination is not enough. Only your will decides who truly inherits your securities.
So, What Exactly Are Securities?
In simple words, securities are your financial assets, like shares, mutual funds, bonds, and debentures. They represent your investments in companies and funds, and they often make up a significant part of your wealth.
If you’ve invested in the stock market or hold mutual fund units, congratulations, you already own securities. But unless you mention them clearly in your will, your family might never know what you owned or how to claim them.
How to Add Securities to Your Will
Most people think, “I’ll do it later.” But later often turns into never and that’s how families lose track of decades of savings, shares, and investments. Don’t let that happen to yours. Adding your securities to your will takes just a little time today, but it can save your loved ones years of stress tomorrow.
Here’s how to do it right (before life gets in the way):
- List your investments clearly.
Mention the shares, mutual funds, or bonds you own. Include folio numbers, account details, and other identifiers. - Name your beneficiaries.
Be specific about who gets what. For example, “I bequeath my 500 shares of XYZ Ltd. to my daughter, Riya.” - Check your nominations.
Remember, nominees only hold the asset temporarily. The real ownership follows your will and succession laws. - Get legal guidance.
A lawyer can make sure your will is properly worded and valid under Indian law, avoiding future disputes.
How Mitt Arv Makes Things Simple?
Mitt Arv is a secure end-of-planning platform built to simplify how you manage and pass on your wealth. It brings together all your asset details, financial, digital, and physical, into one dashboard without ever compromising on privacy or control. With Mitt Arv, you can ensure your family has complete clarity and access when you are not around to guide them.
Key Features
- List all your assets in one place
Add as many assets as you want, shares, mutual funds, property, jewelry, insurance policies, or bank lockers. Everything sits neatly under one secure digital roof. - Include global investments too (with Mitt Arv Premium)
Have property abroad or stocks in a foreign market? No problem. You can record assets from multiple countries in a single, seamless dashboard. - Collaborate smartly with family
Keep your loved ones informed without giving up privacy. Mitt Arv’s collaboration feature lets you choose access levels, full details for your spouse, limited visibility for your children, or view-only rights for your executor. - Deliver your legacy, your way
You decide how and when information should be shared. Mitt Arv securely contacts your trusted contacts to confirm your life status before granting access, ensuring your data stays private and protected until it truly matters. - Update anytime, in minutes
Bought new shares? Sold an old property? Update your asset vault instantly, no need to rewrite your entire will or redo paperwork. - Prepared for the long haul
Life is unpredictable, but your plan doesn’t have to be. Mitt Arv ensures your family isn’t scrambling in an emergency, fighting with brokers or stuck in endless SEBI paperwork. They’ll have everything they need-right there, ready to unlock.
Bottom Line
Adding securities to your will is one of the easiest ways to protect your family and your hard-earned wealth. With Mitt Arv, you can organize all your shares, mutual funds, property, and other assets in one secure digital space. The Asset Vault keeps everything updated, clear, and ready for your loved ones, so they never have to deal with confusion or legal hassles.
And to make your legacy even stronger, Scambuster by Mitt Arv helps you stay informed about the latest financial scams, so you and your loved ones never fall prey to fraud when managing or claiming your assets.
A little planning today goes a long way. Secure your securities to your will, organize your assets, and give your family peace of mind for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I don’t add my shares or mutual funds to my will?
If your securities are not mentioned in your will, your family may face inheritance disputes over shares, frozen accounts, and lengthy legal battles. Even if you have nominees, the final ownership depends on your will and Indian succession laws.
2. Are nominees enough to transfer my securities after I pass away?
No. Nominees act as temporary caretakers, not actual owners. To make sure your family receives your investments, it’s essential to clearly add securities to your will.
3. What if I forget to include some of my investments in my will?
Even missing one share or mutual fund can cause inheritance disputes over shares. Using tools like Mitt Arv’s Asset Vault helps you list all your investments in one secure place, making sure nothing is overlooked.
4. How detailed should I be when listing securities in my will?
Be as specific as possible. Include company names, folio numbers, mutual fund account details, and any identifying information.
5. Which legacy planning tools are trusted in India?
Platforms like Mitt Arv are among the most reliable legacy planning tools in India. They organize your investments, track your assets, allow smart sharing with family, and reduce the risk of inheritance disputes.