Know More About Family Tree
What is a Family Tree in Land Ownership?
A Family Tree is a legal document that lists the legal heirs of a deceased person. It is essential for determining rightful property ownership when the original landholder has passed away.
In Karnataka, the Family Tree is issued by the Village Accountant or Revenue Department. It includes names, relationships, and personal details of all legal heirs of the deceased, helping in smooth property transfer and mutation in revenue records.
“Without an approved Family Tree, mutation and property transfer cannot be legally completed.”
The Family Tree is commonly required in cases of inheritance, property partition, and to resolve ownership disputes. It becomes a foundational document to prove succession.
You can apply for a certified Family Tree at the Taluk Office or through the Nadakacheri portal. Required documents typically include the death certificate, Aadhaar of heirs, and property details.
Importance of Family Tree Document in Property Ownership
A Family Tree, also called a Genealogy Certificate, is a document that maps the ancestral lineage of a person. It outlines the names, relationships, and order of succession within a family—typically used to identify legal heirs in the case of property inheritance.
While not legally binding by itself, a notarized Family Tree helps revenue officers, courts, and banks establish rightful ownership—especially when there is no registered will. It is frequently used in land mutation, partition deeds, and legal heir claims.
“A Family Tree bridges the gap between tradition and documentation — turning family history into legal clarity.”
In Karnataka, you can prepare a Family Tree by consulting with a local notary or advocate. The document typically lists names of parents, spouse, children, siblings, and sometimes extended relations — structured in a generational format. It should be signed and attested with supporting documents like Aadhaar, death certificates, or ration card.
For formal recognition in revenue matters, it is advised to get the Family Tree verified by the Village Accountant or the Revenue Inspector. Some taluk offices or Nadakacheri portal may require a family member's affidavit to validate the accuracy of claims.
This document becomes especially useful in legal disputes, land sharing among siblings, succession applications, and while applying for a Legal Heir Certificate. It offers clarity and prevents future ownership conflicts.
Know the Difference: Family Tree & Legal Heir Certificate
| Family Tree | Legal Heir Certificate |
|---|---|
| Represents the lineage of a person showing relationships among family members | Official certificate naming the legal heirs of a deceased person |
| Can be created as a notarized document based on family details | Issued by Tahsildar, Municipal Corporation, or Revenue Department |
| Used for understanding inheritance lineage and internal disputes | Used for claiming assets, insurance, pension, or property |
| Not considered a legal proof of entitlement | Legally recognized for succession and ownership transfer |
| Prepared and submitted by a family member | Obtained after government verification and field report |
| Helpful during mutation or Khata transfer process | Mandatory in legal property and asset claims |
| Usually contains names, relationships, and age of family members | Includes name of deceased, surviving heirs, and relation to deceased |
| Does not carry legal authority without supporting documents | Accepted by banks, courts, and government bodies |
| Can be drawn manually or digitally by individuals or advocates | Requires official application, fees, and verification steps |
| May be notarized but not necessarily approved by government | Issued only after government officer's approval and field inquiry |
| Primarily used for clarity among family members in disputes | Compulsory for claiming death benefits, PF, or legal rights |
| Available as a supporting document in land mutation requests | Considered as legal identity for rightful successor |
| No standardized issuing authority or fixed format | Follows official government format and stamp |
| Faster to prepare and can be done within a day | Takes 15–30 days based on the state and documentation |
| Low or no fees involved, especially if self-prepared | Involves government charges and sometimes legal assistance |