My brother-in-law, my wife’s only sibling, passed away at 32. He left behind a young daughter. His wife has since remarried, but they’re denying us access to the child. My father-in-law has also passed away, leaving my wife and her deceased brother as the only inheritors. Can my mother-in-law legally seek custody of her granddaughter? How will the family property be divided under Hindu law?

Under Hindu law, a mother-in-law does not automatically have custody rights to her granddaughter. The child’s welfare is paramount, and a court will consider factors like the child’s age, relationship with each parent, and the ability to provide care. The family property will be divided equally between your wife and her deceased brother’s daughter, as they are the legal heirs under Hindu succession law.