Property Rights of Son-in-Law: People often question whether a son-in-law has rights to his father-in-law’s property. Often, people misunderstand that after marriage, a son-in-law automatically gains rights to his wife’s parental property.
Questions related to property rights often trouble people in India. People often question whether a son-in-law has rights to his father-in-law’s property. Many people misunderstand that after marriage, a son-in-law automatically acquires rights to his wife’s parental property. However, the reality is quite different. Indian law provides clear information on property rights.
In India, the relationship between a son-in-law and a father-in-law is considered to be that of a father and son. However, a son-in-law has no ownership rights over his father-in-law’s property. Therefore, it is often clearly stated that a son-in-law cannot claim ownership of his in-laws’ property based on his relationship with them.
The Hindu Succession Rules, 1956, provide information on how a person’s property will be divided among their children after their death.
The Indian Succession Law governs the division of ancestral property. It also includes a list of legal heirs. It clearly defines Class 1 and Class 2 heirs. Class 1 includes a person’s close relatives (son, daughter, wife, etc.).
Class 2 includes a person’s distant relatives. It’s worth noting that the son-in-law’s name is not included in both Class 1 and Class 2 lists. Therefore, the son-in-law cannot directly claim his share in his father-in-law’s property.
If a daughter inherits her father’s property, she can use his help to assert her rights over it. Sometimes, upon a daughter’s wedding, the father-in-law gifts property to his son-in-law. In this situation, the son-in-law has the right to the property.
