My husband and his father built a house on ancestral land in our small Tamil Nadu town. My husband paid for 60% of the construction. Now, his two married sisters want a share of the house, and even his father is suggesting giving them some money. But my husband already helped them financially during their weddings. Should he pay his sisters for the house? Do they have a legal claim to it? We are a Hindu family.

In a Hindu family, ancestral property is subject to coparcenary rights, meaning your husband’s sisters have a claim to it. However, as your husband contributed 60% of the construction costs, he can claim a larger share. The sisters’ claim might be reduced considering your husband’s financial contributions and the support he provided during their marriages. It’s best to consult a lawyer for specific legal advice regarding the property division.