Somewhere in India right now, a family is waiting—waiting for access to their father’s bank account, for the paperwork to clear on their family home, for the courts to decide who owns a piece of farmland.

They’re not waiting because they’ve done something wrong. They’re waiting because the person they loved left them unprepared.

Across the country, ₹1.5 lakh crore in unclaimed assets—bank accounts, mutual funds, insurance, real estate—lies untouched, tangled in red tape. Each rupee is a reminder of what happens when we assume our families will "figure it out" after we’re gone.

It’s time to ask a hard question: is this ignorance, or is it irresponsibility?

No, Inheritance Isn’t Automatic

Too many people cling to the comforting idea that transferring property after death is straightforward.

The assumption is that the law—or worse, "family unity"—will step in to smooth over any wrinkles. Reality, however, is far messier.

Without a valid Will and proper preparation, your loved ones are left to navigate a labyrinth of legal procedures: obtaining a death certificate, filing for a legal heir certificate, in some cases, securing a succession certificate, initiating the property transfer process, and verifying property records and necessary documents with the local municipal authority.

I bet if you stopped to think about it for any length of time, you’d realise that this is not the smooth transition you’d imagined for them; it’s a gruelling, bureaucratic odyssey.

For example, under the Hindu Succession Act, if a Hindu male dies intestate (without a Will), his assets are divided equally among class I heirs—his spouse, children, and mother.

But what if his mother and spouse end up at loggerheads? Or what if his children disagree about what to do with the house?

Add the complexity of stepfamilies, minor children, complex family dynamics, or property in different states, and suddenly the legal framework intended to facilitate the transfer of property becomes a fertile ground for legal disputes.  

The law doesn’t create harmony; it creates structure. And that structure isn’t always what you’d hope for.

Caught In The Middle

The legal labyrinth of inheritance isn’t kind to anyone, but the burden isn’t distributed equally. The wealthy can afford teams of accountants, lawyers, and advisors to smooth over any complications.

In contrast, a family with a modest home, a few savings accounts, and perhaps some investments is often caught in a bind.

They lack the resources to hire high-powered legal help but have just enough assets to fall prey to the bureaucracy of inheritance.

When a parent dies, they must navigate the maze of transferring property ownership, unlocking frozen bank accounts and much more—all without a clear roadmap.

Without a plan in place, they can spend years mired in civil court proceedings, losing not just money but precious time and emotional energy that they can scarcely afford to spare.

The Emotional Toll Of Avoidance

To make matters worse, beyond the financial cost, there’s an emotional one too. A death in the family should be a time for mourning, not for poring over property records or negotiating with estranged relatives.

Yet this is exactly what happens when someone leaves behind a disorganised legacy. Disputes over property distribution can drive permanent wedges between siblings, and the grief of losing a loved one is compounded by the stress of legal battles.

Imagine a widow forced to stand in line at the local sub-registrar’s office, arguing over property documents, when she should be at home with her children.

Imagine siblings battling in civil court over their deceased father’s property, the memories of childhood homes reduced to courtroom exhibits.

This is what avoidance looks like—not peace, not harmony, but stress, frustration, and heartbreak for your legal heirs.

Contrast this with the clarity that comes from careful planning. A legally valid Will, paired with up-to-date property documents, is a gift to your family.

It tells them, "I thought of you. I didn’t want you to worry about this." That peace of mind is priceless.

Breaking Through The Taboo

In India, the hesitation to discuss estate planning often stems from deeply ingrained cultural taboos. Talking about death is seen as inauspicious, even tempting fate.

There’s a pervasive belief that making a Will is akin to inviting misfortune, as though preparing for the inevitable somehow hastens its arrival.

But this reluctance doesn’t protect anyone; it simply shifts the burden onto those left behind, forcing them to navigate a maze of legalities while grappling with grief.

This avoidance becomes even more striking when you consider our global reputation. Indians are often celebrated as some of the brightest minds in the world, excelling in fields like technology, medicine, and finance.

We solve complex problems, innovate at breakneck speed, and export talent to every corner of the globe. And yet, when it comes to something as fundamental as ensuring our families are taken care of after we’re gone, we lag shockingly far behind.

The numbers don’t lie. In the United States, nearly 50% of people have made a Will. Compare that to India, where the figure hovers somewhere around 5%.

How is it that a country with such a strong focus on education and family values has such a glaring blind spot when it comes to estate planning?

I think it’s not from a lack of intention but from a lack of resources that we find ourselves here. Most people genuinely want to ensure their families are protected and their assets are distributed fairly after their passing.

They have the intention, but they are simply overwhelmed by the perceived complexity of the process. For many, the process seems shrouded in mystery—do you need a lawyer? Should it be signed in front of a notary? Does it have to be filed with the government?

The result is that estate planning becomes another item on the "someday" list, perpetually deferred until it’s too late. The lack of straightforward, accessible resources to guide people through the steps only deepens the inertia.

This isn’t about a lack of care. It’s about a system that hasn’t made it easy for people to take the first step.

And until we address that gap—through education, tools, and a shift in cultural mindset—the vast majority of Indian families will remain unprepared for the inevitable.

The Solution Isn’t Hard—The Key Is To Start

The good news is that estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With modern tools and resources, the process is now more accessible than ever:

• Digital Will Platforms: Step-by-step guides ensure your Will is compliant with the Indian Succession Act or relevant personal laws, making the process straightforward and stress-free.
• Secure Document Storage: Digital solutions provide a safe place to store property records, Wills, and other necessary documents, ensuring your family can access them easily when the time comes.
• Asset Management Tools: Consolidating your financial and physical assets into one view reduces the risk of overlooked items and simplifies the property transfer process.

These innovations, like the solutions offered by Yellow, address common challenges and remove the barriers to starting. Whether it’s ensuring your Will is legally valid, organising your property records, or easing the transfer of property for your family, the tools are here to make it easier than you’d imagine.

The hardest part is taking the first step—but once you do, the path becomes clear. With the right support, estate planning is no longer a task to dread; it’s a way to provide security, clarity, and care for your loved ones.

The Bottom Line: Turning Intentions Into Action

The unclaimed ₹1.5 lakh crore number isn’t just a statistic; it’s a warning. It’s a reminder of what happens when we put off the inevitable or assume someone else will take care of it.

Estate planning isn’t a luxury for the wealthy; it’s a necessity for anyone who values their family’s well-being.

You might think you’re sparing your loved ones by avoiding the conversation. In reality, you’re leaving them with a mess—one they’ll have to clean up at the worst possible time.

Make no mistake, ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s a burden. And it’s one your family doesn’t deserve.